Forest Entomology

Forest Entomology

The Forest Entomology Department emphasises monitoring forest insect diversity and controlling termites in plantations, wood damaging insects and teak defoliator, traditional methods of post-harvest protection of bamboo from insect borers, etc.

The mass production technology of the biopesticide Hyblaea puera Nucleo Polyhedrosis Virus (HpNPV) has been standardized, and the application technology has been transferred to stakeholders. The concept of butterfly gardens has been popularized, and technical advice has been provided to various agencies to establish butterfly parks.

Research programmes in the Department of Forest Entomology deal with the following general issues in forestry and conservation.

1. Evaluation of the present and potential insect pest problems relevant to forestry in Kerala.
2. Development of suitable methods or procedures to reduce the economic loss caused by the pests,
3. Study of the soil biology with special reference to the insect biota,
4. Biological control of the insect pests.

In addition to this problem-solving research, some fundamental studies on the taxonomy, biology and ecology of insects are undertaken to increase our understanding of the interaction between insects and trees and the role of insects in the forest. Apart from advancing the knowledge in Entomology, such experience is often necessary for developing better and environmentally safe pest management strategies.

Research Highlights:

• Standardization of methods for control of termites in eucalypt plantations.
• Identification and control of insect borers of stored commercial wood.
• Study on loss of wood increment in teak due to insect defoliatior Hyblaea puera
• Management strategy for Hyblaea puera in teak using a potential of natural enemy Hyblaea puera Nucleo Polyhedrosis Virus (HpNPV).
• Investigations are made on the seasonal incidence and control of pests of Ailanthus, Albizia and Gmelina
• Incidence of pests in natural forests and develop methods to manage insect pest populations in such a way as to limit the economic loss to tolerable levels rather than attempt to control the pest completely.
• The Forest Entomology Department popularized the concept of butterfly gardens and now provides technical advice to various agencies for the establishment of butterfly parks.
• The Forest Entomology Department maintains a representative collection of identified insects. It is equipped to provide identification services to other research organizations on the Lepidopteran fauna.

Ongoing Research Projects

1. Network project on conservation of lac insect genetic resources

   Project No.KFRI RP 690/2014   Funding Agency: Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India
   Principal Investigator: Dr. TV Sajeev 

2. Development of a comprehensive master plan for rejuvenation of the Kerala part of the Chalakkudy River Basin

   Project No.RP 894/2024   Funding Agency: River Research Centre(RRC), 'Karthika', Manalattil, Ollur P O, Thrissur, 680306
   Principal Investigator: Dr. TV Sajeev 

3. Science , Technology and Innovation Hub in Kerala Forest Research Institute. for the livelihood improvement of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in Thrissur and Malappuram Districts, Kerala State

   Project No.GOI RP 901/2025   Funding Agency: Department of Science and Technology (DST), Science for Equity, Empowerment & Development (SEED), Govt. of India
   Principal Investigator: Dr. TV Sajeev 

Ongoing Extension projects

1. Maintenance of Butterfly Garden at KFRI Campus and establishment of new gardens in schools

   Project No.EP 373/2022   Funding Agency: KFRI Plan Grants
   Principal Investigator: Dr. Jithu U. Krishnan 

2. Insect- Collection and Insectarium of KFRI

   Project No.EP 377/2023   Funding Agency: KFRI Plan Grants
   Principal Investigator: Dr. Jithu U. Krishnan