Record of Lymantriid Species Defoliating Paulownia fortunei in India

Larvae of six lepidopteran species belonging to family Lymantriidae including Orgyia postica, Callitearagrotei, Euproctis virguncula, Euproctis fraterna, Euptoctis sp. and Dasychira sp. were recorded for the first time as the pests of Paulownia fortunei in India causing multiple defoliation to the plants. Systematic regular survey and samplings were conducted in Paulownia nursery and plantation as per randomised systematic design to understand the nature of damage, pest status and population fluctuation of different lymantriid species. Orgyia postica was found to cause high level infestation rendering it to be a major defoliating pest of P. fortunei while remaining species caused low to moderate injury to the foliage. Population size of lymantriid species showed positive correlation with temperature and humidity conditions.