Observations on the Mortality in the Forests of <I>Anogeissus</I> in Rajasthan

Abstract

Consequent to total or partial failure of monsoon continnously from 1965 to 1969, Rajasthan state suffered extremely and normal life of local population was disturbed. This failure of monsoon accompanied by extremes of temperature have caused disastrous changes in soil, moisture regime and failure of agricultural crops and large scale mortality in forest crops particularly of Anogeissus. The problem was investigated by the author throughout the state by laying out observation plots and collection of specimens of dead and dying trees which were found attacked by a stem borer. Olenecamptus anogeissii. The mortality in per cent has been compared from 1969 to 1971. Fortunately, due to monsoon remaining active during 1970 and 1971 the mortality per cent has decreased to a bare minimum and the tree crop bas grown healthy in areas which presented gloomy picture of devastation earlier.