EVALUATION OF EUCALYPTUS CLONES FOR SUSCEPTIBILITY TO THE GALL WASP LETOCYBE INVASA FISHER AND LA SALLE

Abstract

This study investigates the variation among Eucalyptus clones for incidence of gall wasp (Letocybe invasa) and relative changes in biochemical parameters. The three years, and replicated clonal trial involved 14 clones with monthly observations made on the gall wasp incidence. Significant variation was found among the clones, with maximum incidence being in F-316 and relatively the least incidence in C-413, PE-11, PE-14 and C-72. Gall wasp incidence gradually increased from January to April and declined thereafter. The total soluble sugars and phenol content in the infested leaves were found to increase by 49.2 and 22.8% respectively, whereas the protein content decreases (8.8% decrease).