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Eucalyptus infestation by Leptocybe invasa in Uganda
Author(s) -
Nyeko Philip,
Mutitu Eston K.,
Day Roger K.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
african journal of ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1365-2028
pISSN - 0141-6707
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2028.2008.01004.x
Subject(s) - eucalyptus camaldulensis , eucalyptus , infestation , biology , gall wasp , pest analysis , botany , agroforestry , biological pest control
Very little is known about Leptocybe invasa Fisher & LaSalle, a new fast‐spreading alien pest infesting Eucalyptus in several countries. This study examined L. invasa infestation on Eucalyptus germplasms in different agroecological zones of Uganda. The incidence and severity of the pest infestation were higher in hotter and drier agroecological zones than in cooler and wetter zones. There were direct negative relationships between altitude and L. invasa infestation on Eucalyptus species. No infestation was observed on any Eucalyptus species in stands at altitudes ranging from 1938 to 2452 (the maximum encountered) m above sea level. Leptocybe invasa infestation occurred on all Eucalyptus species encountered ( Eucalyptus grandis , Eucalyptus camaldulensis , Eucalyptus saligna , Eucalyptus robusta ), except Eucalyptus maidenii that escaped attack because it was located outside the ecological range of the insect. The incidence and severity of L. invasa infestation was generally higher on clonal hybrids E. grandis × E. camaldulensis than on E. grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla . Research on host germplasms, L. invasa biology and ecology, impact of the pest infestation and possible control strategies are suggested to facilitate the development of sustainable management strategies.