Abstract

Alianthus triphysa is a fast growing tree species of considerable economic importance. Eligma narcissus (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Atteva fabriciella (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) are the two major pests of Ailanthus in India. In a natural population, a number of pupae were found parasitised by the fungus, Paecilomyces farinosus. Preliminary laboratory studies employing spore suspension of Paecilomyces farinosus sprayed on to the larvae confirmed the effectiveness of the fungus in causing mortality of Eligma narcissus. Atteva fabriciella was also found susceptible to the fungus in similar infection experiments