Abstract

Teak (Tectona grandis), one of the most important hardwood species, is seriously affected by a mistletoe, Dendrophthoe falcata var. pubescens in several parts of India, especially in plantations. The parasite not only retards the growth of trees but also affects the physical properties of woodseverely infested trees dry up gradually. Studies carried out in a few plantations in Kerala showed mortality of trees up to 27 percent and parasite infestation ranging up to 85 percent. Generally, mistletoe spread is observed in plantations above the age of seven years. Compared to non-infested trees, the infested trees in a 12-year-old plantation, suffered 42 percent increment loss, during a period of three years, while in a 34-year-old plantation, the increment loss was 37 percent. The mistletoe affects the strength properties of wood adversely. Wood from trees without parasite infestation had higher values of modulus of rupture (MOR) and work to maximum load (W max) when compared