Invasive Longhorn Beetle, <i>Aristobia reticulator</i> (Voet) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): A Major Threat to Litchi Trees in Nagaland

The litchi longhorn beetle, also known as litchi stem borer, Aristobia reticulator (Voet), is an invasive pest reported on guava, litchi, longan, and pigeon pea restricted to the northeastern part of India. Here, we report the occurrence status of A. reticulator in Nagaland on litchi trees. A survey in different age groups of litchi orchards was conducted from March to September 2023, and percent infestation and number of grubs/ tree were counted. The infestation ranged from 50 to 100% among the selected litchi orchards. Among the infested trees, 1-3, 4-6, and 7-9 larvae/ tree were observed in 18.94, 27.36, and 27.36% infested trees, respectively. Nearly 26.31% of litchi trees were observed to be heavily infested (>10 larvae/ tree) by stem borer. Further, illustrations with damage symptoms of pests were presented for quick and correct identification. Considering the status and damage potential of this pest, suitable management strategies are needed, or else it will become a very serious problem for litchi cultivation in the region.