Biology and Management of Psyllid Acizzia indica on Albizia lebbeck

Siris (Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth) is one of the important multipurpose tree species presently being tried for afforestation purpose especially under agroforestry programmes in India in view of its fast growth and timber yield. The timber is highly suitable for furniture internal decoration panelling carving turnery and for construction purpose apart from its use in house building for posts beams and rafters. The seedlings and saplings of this species are subjected to severe damage by Psyllids Acizzia indica. Due to gregarious infestation of this species the tender leaves are reduced in size curled and crumpled. They remain crowded together at the apex in clusters because of the close inter noding resulted by the attack. Affected seedlings become dwarfed with malformed and discoloured leaves bunched at the top. In severe cases they succumb to the attack. Studies were carried out on the biology of the psyllid Acizzia indica population dynamics natural enemies associated with the psyllid damage potential on Albizia lebbeck seedlings evaluation of insecticides and botanicals on the psyllid control and predatory potential of insect predators on the psyllid.