STATUS DAN PERKEMBANGAN PENELITIAN HAMA DAN PENYAKIT HUTAN DI INDONESIA (The Status and Development of Research on Forest Pests and Diseases in Indonesia)

In the past, little attention had been paid to forest pest and disease. Losses caused by insects and pathogens were mostly being underestimated. Researches on forest pest and disease problems were conduc'ed primarily only when serious damage was noticed. Pest and disease were not considered as potential factor in silvicultural systems. The data of pest and disease incidence were especially vexing because in many cases the damage is irregular, not always easily detected at first, and varied in severity. Therefore not only is it difficult to estimate the future occurences but it is even more difficult to gauge the actual risk of pest and disease problems. In the era ofsilvicultural systems in which productivity is the main outcome, pest and disease is considered as a potential fastor that may cause growth damage and limitation. Since then more researches have been initiated to study the incidence of particular insect and pathogen attack, develop damage and yield loss assessment method. Relative importance of individual fungal pathogens and insects and their control have been reported and some which are seen as offering threats in the future have been identitied. The awareness of pests and diseases of importance forest plantation species has also been heightened.