Status and Distribution of Willow Mortality in Lahaul and Spiti Cold Desert of Himachal Pradesh

A survey on the status and distribution of willow mortality in the cold desert of Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh was conducted during 2007. Large scale willow mortality ranging from 2 to 93.8 per cent was recorded in Lahaul sub-division. The extent of mortality was higher in Chandra valley as compared to Pattan and Bhaga valleys. In Spiti sub-division willow mortality was recorded only at Qurith (2%). Investigations revealed that Cytospora canker caused by Cytospora chrysosperma is the major cause of willow mortality. At few places scale insect (Lepidosaphes sp.) infestation was also recorded. Based on the causes of the mortality, a package of recommendations has been suggested to reduce the willow mortality in the cold desert areas.