Behaviour of the stem borer Xystrocera festiva Pascoe on Paraserianthes falcataria and integrated control.

Abstract

A study was made of the life cycle and behaviour of Xystrocera festiva in plantations of Paraserianthes falcataria at 2 locations in South Sumatra, followed by laboratory investigations of its rearing. The pest was shown to have various hosts (Acacia mangium, A. auriculiformis, A. arabica [A. nilotica], Pithecellobium jiringa, P. dulce, Samanea saman [Albizia saman] and Enterolobium cyclocalipum [E. cyclocarpum]). Attack on Paraserianthes falcataria usually began at 2-3 yr ol and increased with age. However, pest populations only increased slowly (0.1% p.a.), so serious damage could be avoided by cutting infected trees or other means of control. The laboratory life cycle (on an artificial diet) was 174 days, with the larval stage the longest (4 months). The use of integrated control methods is suggested.