Cedrela species are attacked by the tip moth Hypsipyla robusta when grafted on to red cedar Toona ciliata

Summary

Australian Red Cedar (Toona ciliata) grown in plantation on the NSW mid-north coast is severely attacked by the shoot borer Hypsipyla robusta. Exotic species of Cedrela (C. odorata C, de Candolle and C. fissilis Vel.) grown in the same area are not attacked. Grafts were constructed using Cedrela spp. as scion and T. ciliata as root-stock. All grafts, when planted out in the field, were attacked by H. robusta. The results of this study provide a way forward for examining the notion that a factor(s) is translocated from T. ciliata root-stock to the Cedrela spp. and that this influences their resistance to H. robusta attack.