New records of insect pests infesting Dalbergia latifolia (Roxb.) from Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

The present study conducted in Uttarakhand, India aimed to investigate the insect pests associated with Dalbergia latifolia, commonly known as rosewood. Rosewood is an economically important timber-producing tree species indigenous to South and Southeast Asia. Although insect pests have been reported to attack rosewood trees, their impact and threat to nurseries and plantations in India have been insignificant thus far. The periodic survey was done and insect pest were recorded infesting D. latifolia nursery and plantation. The study recorded ten different insect species on D. latifolia in the region, with eight of them being reported for the first time on this particular species. The newly recorded insect species included Gastrophysa viridula, Chrysochus cobaltinus, Apoderus crenatus, Hyposidra talaca, Ricania speculum, Leptocorisa acuta, Leptocentrus taurus, and Dorsicha stebbingi. Further, nature of damage caused by these insect pests, and seasonal incidence was also studied. This investigation aimed to gather valuable information on the insect pest fauna associated with rosewood in Uttarakhand, India, and assess their potential effects on this valuable timber species. By studying the insect pests and their damage patterns, researchers can develop effective pest management strategies to mitigate any potential economic losses caused by these pests. Such information is crucial for the sustainable management and conservation of Dalbergia latifolia in the region.