Members of Loranthaaeae are semiparasitic
angiosperms and are popularly
kn.own as mistletoes. They cause more
economic loss than any other angiospermia
parasites. They mostly attack dicotyledors
and gymnosperms which include horticultural
plants as well as forest trees. Control
of mistletoes has been advocated and
practised throughout the world. Gill and
Hawksworth (1961) suggested (i) physical
removal and (ii ) chemical control as direct
control measures. Silvicultural management
system like thinning and use of
isolation strips have been stated to be effective
in reducing the infestation and spread
of dwarf mistletoes (Greenham and Hawksworth
1964 ; Hawksworth et al. 1977).
Certain amount of natural control exists
in some areas where particular insectsand
fungi reduce the infestation (Greenham
and Hawksworth 1964). Gill and Hawksworth
(1961) g?.ve brief notes on insect
attack of dwarf mistletoes. Approach
towards the biological control of mistletoes
by insects has been indicated by Hawksworth
(1971 ) and Smith and Funk ( 1980 ).
Graves and Graves ( 1980) noted that the
larvae of Citheronid regalis ( Citheronoiidae :
Lepidoptera) feed on the leaves of