• Shambhu Nath Mishra
• Atul Kumar Dubey
• Hari Shankar Gupta
• Vijender Pal Panwar

Sal (Shorea robusta) forests in Jharkhand, a vital part of India's tropical dry deciduous ecosystem, are increasingly threatened by recurrent outbreaks of defoliating pests such as Selepa celtis and Paectes subapicalis. These pests primarily feed on young Sal leaves, leading to extensive defoliation and disrupting ecological balance. This study examines the intensity, patterns, and ecological impacts of defoliation in the Dry Peninsular Sal Forest of Ranchi, Jharkhand. By analyzing damage intensity, tree susceptibility based on diameter at breast height (DBH), and spatial infestation patterns, we gain insights into the vulnerability of these forests. The study also highlights the potential of remote sensing technologies in monitoring and early detection of pest outbreaks. To mitigate ecological and economic consequences, we propose strategies that include biological control measures, forest management practices, and the application of remote sensing in pest monitoring.

Selepa celtis, Paectes subapicalis, Sal defoliators, Forest pest management, Tropical dry deciduous forests, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Biological control, Remote sensing, Ecosystem impacts, Climate variability

"Outbreak of Sal Defoliators (Selepa celtis and Paectes subapicalis) and its Impacts on Dry Peninsular Sal Forests of Jharkhand", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no.h39-h49, March-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2503705.pdf

"Outbreak of Sal Defoliators (Selepa celtis and Paectes subapicalis) and its Impacts on Dry Peninsular Sal Forests of Jharkhand", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no. pph39-h49, March-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2503705.pdf