Abstract

Blister like protuberant growth was noticed on leaves of Eucalyptus tereticornis and E. camaldulensis plants grown in cutting multiplication gardens in open conditions and containerized plants maintained inside chambers. This physiological disorder was recorded during winter months when weather was muggy and cloudy with high humidity. Initially, this was mistakenly treated as pathological infection which could not be controlled with fungicide sprays. Further persuasion of these plants led to their identification as intumescence which is also called as Edema, oedma, odemata. About 90% plants inside chambers and 45% plants grown in open conditions were recorded with intumescence features. The study helped in identifying the causes of this physiological disorder which was unknown till now for its better management in clonal plant production. This is the first report of intumescence on Eucalyptus from India.

Keywords: Eucalyptus; Blister-like structures; Physiological disorder; Leaves; Intumescence