Strategies for the Management of <I>Craspedonta leayana</I> (Coleoptera : Chrysomelidae) in <I>Gmelina arborea</I>

Abstract

Gmelina arborea (Roxb.) has gained widespread acceptance as a plantation species worldwide due to its rapid growth and multiplicity of uses in pulp and fiber production, besides an excellent saw timber has number of promising attributes. The strategy for addressing a major drawback for its susceptibility to Craspedonta leayana (Latreille) in native areas has been discussed. This includes mass multiplication and application of parasitoid Brachymeria excarinata, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhzium anisopliae. The screening of resistant germplasm for Craspedonta leayana was found to be an effective long term strategy.