Field Performance of Some Indigenous Tree Species with Respect to Insect Pest Incidence in Kerala (India)

Field performance of six indigenous tree species namely Albizia odoratissima, Grewia tiliaefolia, Pterocarpus marsupium, Xylia xylocarpa, Haldina cordifolia and Lagerstroemia microcarpa to insect pest damage was studied in trial plantations raised in mono and mixed cultures. There are very few instances of pest outbreaks in natural stands, but pest incidence was serious in trial plantations. Monocultures of most species except X. xylocarpa and H. cordifolia showed high levels of pest attack. A. odoratissima was most susceptible followed by P. marsupium and L. microcarpa. In Albizia and Pterocarpus the damage was caused by two different species of Psyllidae. An unidentified mite and a leaf webbing caterpillar were the major problem in Lagerstroemia. The above insect pests were a problem in the nursery beds as well. Application of appropriate insecticides has been recommended in the nursery and trial plantations to ensure the initial establishment of saplings.