Abstract

Except for root feeding termites, which can cause high mortality of young plants, no serious insect pests have so far been encountered on eucalypts in India. This is one of the main reasons for its successful growth. On the other hand, in its natural habitat in Australia, eucalypts are subject to serious damage by a few species of insects which include leaf feeders and trunk-dwelling termites. There are two ways by which pest problems may originate for the exotic eucalypts in India, namely by adaptation of indigenous insects to eucalypts and immigration of well adapted pests from other countries where both the host and pest may be either native or introduced. The first situation already exists in India where about 60 native insect species have been found to feed on eucalypts, although none except subterranean termites have assumed pest status. Fortunately the termite damage can be prevented by simple insecticidal tetreatment. The second situation has not arisen in India, but