Abstract
Summary This paper briefly summarises the status of eucalypt plantations in Victoria and identifies the insect pests that can cause severe damage to foliage during the first three years after planting on farmland, before canopy closure and foliage maturation. Also discussed are various factors presumed to predispose such plantations to severe insect attack, the nature of the damage, the present and future pest management options and the associated research. Predominant among economically important insect pests are the Christmas beetles (Anoplognathus chloropyrus and A. hirsutus), leaf beetles (Chrysophtharta agricola, C. variicollis and Paropsis porosa), the Autumn Gum Moth (Mnesampela privata), the Leafblister Sawfly (Phylacteophaga froggatti) and the Wingless Grasshopper (Phaulacridium vittatum). At present control of outbreaks is by spraying insecticide. Environmentally more acceptable multi-pronged control programs are being developed, comprising a mix of compatible preventative and curative genetic, silvicultural, biological and chemical measures. Such programs will be based on a thorough knowledge of the biology and ecology of the target pests in the particular climatic regions where the plantations are located.
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