STATUS OF BARK BEETLE, Scolytus nitidus (Schedl.) SEVERITY ON APPLE TREES IN NORTH KASHMIR OF J&K STATE

Status of bark beetle Scolytus nitidus (Schedl.) severity on apple trees of different age group and varieties under three situations was undertaken in two districts of north Kashmir during the year 2004. Highest severity on trunks of apple trees was recorded from Baramulla block (41.8%) and lowest from Tangmarg block (16.9%). Highest pest severity (30.9%) was noticed in October and lowest severity of 23.7% in May. Higher belts, Karewas and low lying areas of north Kashmir recorded 31.4, 35.8 and 16.6% pest severity, respectively. The highest severity of 58.1% on apple was noticed on cv. 'White Dotted Red' (Maharaji), and lowest (23.4%) on cv. 'Cox's Orange Pippin' (Kesri). Apple trees of > 30 year age were infested more severely as compared to the other age groups indicating that the older trees are more susceptible to bark beetle infestation. The correlation (r values) between soil moisture and pest severity for higher belts, Karewas and low lying areas was -0.9493*, -0.9405* and -0.8153*, respectively.