RECORD OF SEED INSECT PESTS OF DIPTEROCARPUS RETUSUS IN HOLLONGAPAR RESERVE FORESTS, ASSAM

Dipterocarpus retusus is facing a serious problem of poor regeneration due to various insects and diseases. The planting stock target has many times been upset because of heavy mortality of seed due to pests and diseases. No information is available on the insects that infest seed of D. retusus, their periodicity, population density, damage caused and loss, hindering suitable control strategies. The present study provides information on the seed insect pests of D. retusus in the natural stands at Hollongapar Reserve Forests, Assam and the damage they caused. The database obtained can be used for designing appropriate strategies to procure viable seeds and to increase the planting stock of D. retusus.