Insect pests of Casuarina equisetifolia L. in Tamil Nadu, India

Casuarina equisetifolia L. (Australian pine) is a fast growing, multipurpose tree species, native of Australian Region, extending its distribution to the islands of the Pacific and to South-East Asia. It was introduced to India in 19th century. The tree has adapted to different eco-climatic and edaphic zones of India. It gained prominence in coastal afforestation as well in agro-forestry. C.equisetifolia has short rotation and hence it has been a favourite species of farmers in Tamil Nadu State. The present study has recorded 40 insect pests infesting C.equisetifolia in Tamil Nadu. Among them, the bark eating caterpillar, Indarbela quadrinotata Walker was adjudged as the key pest, since it causes considerable damage to the trees. The intensity of infestation of the bark eating caterpillar was assessed across the three Casuarina growing agro-climatic zones of Tamil Nadu and natural enemies associated with the bark eating caterpillar were identified.Various eco-friendly pest management options like identification of pest tolerant provenances, biological control and application of botanicals to contain the bark eating caterpillar were attempted and the results brought out.