J. A. BHAT, N. A. WANI, G. M. LONE AND M. S. PUKHTA

Field survey was undertaken during the year 2007 to evaluate the influence of different cultivars, age of apple trees at three elevations (low lying areas, karewas and higher belts) and the mean soil moisture on the severity of infestation by the apple stem borer (Aeolesthes sarta Solsky) in district Baramulla of Kashmir valley. Among the seven apple cultivars screened, the maximum severity of infestation (23.23%) on the trunk and scaffold limbs was recorded in Red Delicious, while the lowest (6.47%) in American Apirogue. Apple trees above 30 years of age recorded the highest mean infestation (27.04%); whereas, significantly lowest (5.51%) infestation was observed in 10-15 year-old trees. The soil moisture analyzed for the three elevations had a significant negative correlation with pest infestation and the r- values were -0.652 (low lying areas), -0.937 (karewas) and -0.930 (higher belts).