Abstract

Dendrophthoe falcata var. pubescens is the most common parasite attacking teak in Kerala and other states in India. A preliminary study on the phenology and distribution of the parasite in Kerala and severity of infection in Nilambur Forest Division had been carried out. The percentage of infestation was 47 percent to 86 percent and the increment loss due to the parasite infestation was 37 percent to 42 percent over non-infested trees during a period of three years. The mortality of trees due to the parasite ranged from 1. 5 percent to 27 percent. Physical removal of the parasite improved the growth increment from 7 percent to 39 percent over the parasite infested trees during the 3-year period. Lopping the parasite infested branches had been in practice ever since the parasite was noticed in Nilambur teak plantation. Since this method has several drawbacks, search for a new method of control has been initiated. Controlling the parasite without harming the host through