Impact of Pest Problems in <I>Gmelina arborea</I> Linn. Plantations in Western Maharashtra

Abstract

Different age group plantations of Gmelina arborea Linn. In Western Maharashtra, were evaluated for monitoring the status of pests. These plantations have suffered due to mortality caused by some biotic factors i.e. grazing, hacking, faulty pruning, rab firing, diseases, insect pests viz. defoliators, leaf miner, bark eating caterpillar, phassus borer, sap suckers, canker grub, weevil, termites etc. In this study, the impact of different pest outbreaks was evaluated on Gmelina arborea mortality. In this regard, observations were recorded on the pest incidence, their relationship with soil nutrients and different girth and height classes. Additional scenarios included possible measures to counter the present problem are also suggested.