Ecology and control of tip moths feeding on red cedar and allied forest trees in the Meliaceae: Review Workshop

• Queensland Forest Research Institute, Australia

Members of the Meliaceae produce exceedingly valuable timber used for high quality furniture. However, the larvae of Hypsipyla feed inside the growing shoots, causing severe loss of growth increment and form. In areas where the shoot borer (Hypsipyla spp.) occurs, it has been virtually impossible to grow plantations of tree species belonging to the family Meliaceae with any economic success. Hypsipyla spp. have not been successfully controlled in any parts of the world and remain pests of significant economic proportions in tropical forestry. The objectives of this project are to review all published and unpublished research and experience with the control of H. robusta in Australia. In addition, an international workshop will be held in Sri Lanka to review the magnitude of the problem in developing countries and the status and direction of current research into Hypsipyla ecology and control.