Xylotrechus smei (Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae: Clytini): a potential threat to red sanders cultivation

Red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus L.f.) is an economically important, endangered timber species endemic to the restricted forest tracts of Eastern Ghats, India. Here, we report occurrence long horned beetle Xylotrechus smei (Laporte de Castelnau & Gory, 1841) infestation on red for first time in two plantations located Telangana, important polyphagous pest with over forty recorded hosts. In sanders, percentage ranged from 0.63 2.5% across plantations. Infestation was characterized by gradual chlorosis starting lower crown followed complete dying standing trees, presence galleries and bore holes cut stems. addition, supplementary description X. smei, including terminal abdominal segments genitalia sexes, immatures its illustrations are provided more authentic identification this pest. Further, identity insect as confirmed through mtCOI based DNA barcode. Phylogenetic sequence divergence analyses partial gene showed that isolate obtained current study closely related WA13 10.01r intercepted wood packaging material one ports entry United States (U.S.). Further studies devising management strategies needed improving quality quantity economic produce.