Mortality of Myristica Dactyloides: A new threat to an important NTFP resource in the central Western Ghats

Abstract

Myristica dactyloides, the wild nutmeg, is an important Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) of the Western Ghats. The aril of this fruit is used as a substitute for nutmeg, Myristica fragrans. It serves the livelihood of local people living around the forest areas. However, in recent years large scale tree mortality of M. dactyloides has been observed in and around Uttara Kannada district in the Central Western Ghats, which has greatly affected the livelihood of the people. Survey conducted in six populations suggested that percentage mortality varied from 0 to 100 per cent. No apparent relation was observed between size class of tree and mortality of M. dactyloides. This study suggests that more than one causal agent (an insect pest and a tree pathogen) are involved in the mortality.