Abstract

Spike disease is presumed to be transmitted through insect vector and root connections, the plant being a semi-root parasite. Moonia albimaculata, Coelidia indica and Nephotetic virescens were reported as vectorsbut these findings could not be confirmed. Redarator bimaculatus Dist. (Fulgoridae: Issidae) was found capable of transmitting spike disease from diseased sandal to healthy sandal. The insect was recorded on spiked sandal in Marayoor (Kerala) and other sandal reserve forests in India