Emerging pest threats to Litsea deccanensis gamble: implications for conservation and management in the Western Ghats, India

Abstract

Litsea deccanensis Gamble, a vital wet-season blooming tree in the Lauraceae family, faces a dual threat from the Redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus) and the Molytinae weevil (Alcidodes porrectirostris). This study, conducted in the Western Ghats, India, explores the impact of these pests on L. deccanensis, a commercially significant species used in agarbatti production. Stem bark exploitation, coupled with laurel wilt disease, contributes to the tree's declining population. These stem borers cause considerable damage to both seedlings and young saplings, and their influence extends to infestations in mature trees. The Molytinae weevils primarily target seeds, posing a significant challenge for the storage and production of planting stock. This dual pest threat jeopardizes the natural regeneration of L. deccanensis, contributing to population decline in the wild. Recognizing the urgent need for conservation, this study marks a crucial step in developing proactive strategies to manage L. deccanensis effectively within its natural habitat, safeguarding this commercially valuable species from further decline.