Abstract

Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) is an important tree species in forestry plantation programmes, in Kerala, an area of 170 ha has been planted with this species. The shoot borer Hypsiphyla robusta (Lepidoptera: Phycitinae) is an important pest of this tree species. Attack by this insect seriously affect the establishment of seedlings in plantations. Studies carried out in mahogany plantations at Punalur and Nilambur during 1994-96 has shown that upto 90 of the plants may be affected in heavy infestations. The life cycle of this insect takes 30 to 40 days for completion and the generations are continuous and overlapping. A parasitic nematode (Hexamermis sp.) was found to cause mortality of the larvae in the field. The incidence of the shoot borer in mahogany plantations and its impact on plantation programmes are discussed