Diseases of Important Forest Tree Species and Their Management Using Eco-Friendly Approaches

Forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, biodiversity, and providing a myriad of ecosystem services. However, the health of forest tree species is under constant threat from various diseases, posing significant challenges to sustainable forestry practices. These diseases can result in substantial economic losses, negatively impact biodiversity, and compromise the overall health and resilience of forest ecosystems. Diseases of forest trees can be caused either by abiotic agents or by biotic agents leading to decline in growth and growth abnormalities, drying and mortality, wood destruction, wood quality deterioration, effects growth increment and reduced regeneration. The losses due to disease commence with seed deterioration affecting germinability of seeds and seedlings survival. Root rots fungi, wood-discoloration and rotting fungi, affect the merchantability of wood. Foliage disease decreases the growth and quality of the economically important trees. Recognizing the escalating importance of sustainable practices, the review then shifts focus to eco-friendly approaches. These encompass biological control agents, such as beneficial fungi and bacteria, as well as the utilization of resistant tree varieties and the implementation of cultural practices that enhance the overall health of forest ecosystems. This chapter deals with the diseases and management of important forest tree species, viz., Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. ex DC., Tectona grandis L.f., Ailanthus excelsa Roxb., Acacia sp., Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce.