Seasonal incidence of gall forming psyllid, Pauropsylla tuberculata infesting Alstonia scholaris L., at Meerut Region

Abstract From September 2024 to January 2025, the current investigation was conducted in Meerut on the ornamental tree Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. The psyllid, Pauropsylla tuberculata attack creates unattractive appearance for which it fails to serve the original function. According to the study, a certain percentage of leaf infestation was noted in the first two weeks of November (31.20%) and the second two weeks of November (15.00%). The first two weeks of October saw the highest percentage of leaf infestations (72.50%). The second two weeks of October had the lowest leaf infestation (11.00%). There was also minor leaf infestation during the first and second two weeks of November. The second two weeks of October had the lowest infestation, at 11.0 percent, while the first two weeks of January had the worst, at 24.8 percent. On average, the maximum number of galls during the second two weeks of October was 36.00. Percentage RH was shown to be positively and significantly correlated (80–89%) with all infestation indicators. The mean maximum temperature (24–30⁰C) was shown to be negatively but significantly correlated with all of the above-mentioned infestation characteristics.