The subject of the Polyphagos Shot Hole Borer (Euwallacea whitfordiodendrus) was first mentioned in a Reserve Report in March 2019.
As this insect is likely to affect most environments in the future it is pertinent to share updated information on the borer. Dr Stuart Christie from 4Sightfutures very kindly agreed to share the following information with our Membership and readers. It is an extremely informative document that is well worth the read.
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The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer is an ambrosia beetle native to Southeast Asia. The beetle has a symbiotic relationship with the fungus Fusarium euwallaceae, which causes branch die-back and can kill susceptible trees. In 2017 the presence of this pest was confirmed in South Africa by the FABI team, and it has since been found in all provinces except Limpopo. This makes the PSHB invasion in South Africa the largest geographical outbreak of this beetle in the world. It is affecting trees in all sectors: the agricultural and commercial forestry sector, urban trees (public spaces, streets, gardens), as well as native trees in natural forests.
By John Llewellyn.