Abstract:
Very little is known about Leptocybe invasa Fisher & LaSalle,
a new fast-spreading alien pest infesting Eucalyptus in
several countries. This study examined L. invasa infestation
on Eucalyptus germplasms in different agroecological zones
of Uganda. The incidence and severity of the pest infestation
were higher in hotter and drier agroecological zones
than in cooler and wetter zones. There were direct negative
relationships between altitude and L. invasa infestation on
Eucalyptus species. No infestation was observed on any
Eucalyptus species in stands at altitudes ranging from 1938
to 2452 (the maximum encountered) m above sea level.
Leptocybe invasa infestation occurred on all Eucalyptus
species encountered (Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis,
Eucalyptus saligna, Eucalyptus robusta), except
Eucalyptus maidenii that escaped attack because it was
located outside the ecological range of the insect.