Abstract

In Kerala, the moist deciduous forests occupy 4010 km2 of the total forest area of 9400 km2, which is the abode of many valuable indigenous tree species. However, no information is available on seedling diseases of indigenous tree species and their management. The present study involving four indigenous tree species viz., Albizia odoratissima, Lagerstroemia microcarpa, Pterocarpus marsupium and Xylia xylocarpa indicated that these trees have very few seedling diseases. No disease was detected in A. odoratissima, while a serious damping-off caused by Pythium middletonii was observed in L. microcarpa. Collar rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani and a serious seedling blight caused by Sclerotium rolfsii [Corticium rolfsii] were noticed in P. marsupium. The management strategies of the above diseases in the nursery are discussed