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<p><i>Quadrastichus erythrinae</i> Kim, 2004 (Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae), commonly known as the invasive Erythrina Gall Wasp (EGW), is an aggressive gall-inducing parasitoid that induces hypertrophic galls disrupting vascular function and reducing photosynthetic capacity. Since its discovery from East Africa, <i>Q. erythrinae</i> has become a destructive invasive pest of coral trees (<i>Erythrina</i> spp.) throughout tropical and subtropical regions. This study documents the first confirmed occurrence of <i>Q. erythrinae</i> infesting <i>Erythrina variegata</i> L. in the Andaman Islands, India. Field surveys conducted in South Andaman revealed extensive galling on leaves, petioles, midribs, and young shoots, leading to significant defoliation, branch dieback, and in severe cases, tree decline that may progress to mortality within 1–2&#xa0;years. Infestation severity was quantified using standardized field protocols and visual scoring of infested plants. Gall morphology was described, and host impacts were assessed in terms of physiology and ecosystem services. Across surveyed sites, over 90% of trees showed visible galling symptoms. Given the ecological and cultural importance of <i>E. variegata</i>, a multipurpose species integral to agroforestry systems, soil conservation, nitrogen fixation, and traditional medicine (used for anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiasthmatic purposes), the invasion by <i>Q. erythrinae</i> poses a considerable threat to both natural and managed landscapes. Potential introduction pathways and ecological risk factors are considered, alongside an outline of integrated management strategies suited to the ecologically fragile, biodiversity-rich, and enemy deficient context of island ecosystems of the Andaman Islands.</p>

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First Record and Ecological Consequences of the Invasive Erythrina Gall Wasp in the Andaman Islands, India

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月20日

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  • C. Binoy,
  • Anil Kumar Dubey

摘要

Quadrastichus erythrinae Kim, 2004 (Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae), commonly known as the invasive Erythrina Gall Wasp (EGW), is an aggressive gall-inducing parasitoid that induces hypertrophic galls disrupting vascular function and reducing photosynthetic capacity. Since its discovery from East Africa, Q. erythrinae has become a destructive invasive pest of coral trees (Erythrina spp.) throughout tropical and subtropical regions. This study documents the first confirmed occurrence of Q. erythrinae infesting Erythrina variegata L. in the Andaman Islands, India. Field surveys conducted in South Andaman revealed extensive galling on leaves, petioles, midribs, and young shoots, leading to significant defoliation, branch dieback, and in severe cases, tree decline that may progress to mortality within 1–2 years. Infestation severity was quantified using standardized field protocols and visual scoring of infested plants. Gall morphology was described, and host impacts were assessed in terms of physiology and ecosystem services. Across surveyed sites, over 90% of trees showed visible galling symptoms. Given the ecological and cultural importance of E. variegata, a multipurpose species integral to agroforestry systems, soil conservation, nitrogen fixation, and traditional medicine (used for anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiasthmatic purposes), the invasion by Q. erythrinae poses a considerable threat to both natural and managed landscapes. Potential introduction pathways and ecological risk factors are considered, alongside an outline of integrated management strategies suited to the ecologically fragile, biodiversity-rich, and enemy deficient context of island ecosystems of the Andaman Islands.