DefinePK

Abstract

ABSTRACT Exotic Paulownia fast growing tree species of Chinese origin were introduced in different ecological zones of Pakistan. Studies conducted by recording the observations fortnightly on nurseries and plantations at the Pakistan Forest Institute Campus, Peshawar showed that the Paulownia spp. Fell prey to the attack of fourteen insect species like Agrotis ypsilon Rott. (Noctuidae), Aleuroplatus pectiniferus Quiint. (Aleyrodidae), Catopsilia crocale Cram. (Pieridae), Cyrtopeltis tenuis Reut. (Miridae), Drosicha stebbingii Gr. (Margarodidae), Heliothis armigera Hueb. (Noctuidae), H. peltigera Hueb. (Noctuidae), Lumantria sp. Walk. (Lymantriidae), Nyzus persicae Sul. (Aphididae), Odontotermes obesus Ram. (Termitidae), Plusia orichalcea Fab. (Noctuidae), P. nigrisigna Fab. (Noctuidae), Phycodes radiate Ochsen. (Glyphipterygidae) and Precis orithya Marsh. (Nymphalidae). Among these insect species D. stebbingii appeared in epidemic form on Paulownia tomentosa and P. fortunei. The pest was managed by adopting integrated control strategy in which practices like destruction of eggs by soil working, banding of tree trunks and application of insecticides were combined together. All the components of integrated control strategy proved effective. Among the chemicals Buldock 25EC, Mepra 50EC and Endon 35EC @ 0.2% were the most effective insecticides against the pest.