Abstract

Field observations are reported from 7-8 yr old plantations of Ailanthus triphysa and from trees located on private land, in Kothamangalam Forest Division [Kerala], showing considerable damage to the inflorescence and tender fruits caused by larvae of Atteva fabriciella, in addition to damage to tender leaves and terminal shoots. Mature seeds collected from a group of twelve 8-yr-old trees at Thattehad showed 60 damage due to larval boring in the seed area. Laboratory experiments with male and female inflorescences collected from standing trees indicated that the larvae showed preference for the male inflorescence