“Shothole Borer Beetle”Threatening Our Urban Forests
The Avocado tree (Persea Americana) can also be infected by the Borer Beetle…
The Garden Route is currently facing a rapid spread of the invasive polyphagous shothole borer beetle (PSHB), as highlighted in an urgent notice released by the George Municipality. This destructive pest poses a significant threat to urban forests, and it is crucial to take immediate action by chipping infested trees.
Residents of George are urged to report any sightings of the PSHB to the George Municipality. It is essential to refrain from removing infested trees from your property, as this will only contribute to the spread of the pest to other areas. Additionally, it is advised not to purchase or transport firewood from regions known to have PSHB infestation.
Identifying symptoms of infested trees includes branch dieback (cracks, discolored leaves, dry and leafless branches), gumming (gooey substances oozing from bark or beetle holes), and the presence of very small entry and exit holes on the tree’s bark. Staining in the form of brown or dark stains on the bark is another sign of infestation.
Shothole borer beetle (PSHB)
To effectively eliminate the beetle, traditional pesticides and fungicides are ineffective. The only recommended method is to chip the infected material. After chipping, place the infested material in sealed refuse bags and expose them to direct sunlight. The heat generated from sunlight will aid in killing the beetle. Alternatively, the chipped material can be added to a compost heap, as the heat generated during the composting process will also eliminate the beetle. If burning is preferred, it should be done at an appropriate incineration facility, or the infested material should be bagged and left in the sun for at least six weeks.
When dealing with the PSHB, it is advisable to seek the assistance of trained and equipped service providers to ensure effective management and control.
In its natural environment, such as South East Asian countries like Vietnam, the PSHB primarily attacks dead or dying trees. However, as an invasive species, it lacks natural enemies in South Africa, making its invasion particularly devastating. Indigenous species, including the yellowwood and keurboom, are also vulnerable to this destructive beetle.
Since 2018, the PSHB beetle has been detected in dying trees in various suburbs, including George, Knysna, Pietermaritzburg, Durban, Bloemfontein, and Bedfordview. According to the South African Landscapes Institute (Sali), the PSHB has been observed attacking plants from 58 different tree families.
Source: GeorgeHerald
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