GEORGE NEWS - The George Municipality urges the public to report any signs of infestation with the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer beetle (PHSB) for immediate response.
George Herald reported last week that according to nature specialists the shot hole borer is still active in trees in George. The University of Stellenbosch earlier warned of the potential negative impact on the South African economy.
The PHSB has been wreaking havoc on trees in George and surrounds since 2018.
Director of Community Services Allen Paulse said there are no reported or known cases at the moment. The last known cases of infestation were in 2019 and 2020.
During the 2019/2020 infestation, mainly oak trees (Quercus robur) and London plane trees (Platanus x acerifolia) were infected.
About thirty trees were removed in George during the stated period. Meade Street was the hotspot, but a few trees in other parts of George were also affected.
"Currently trees that have died are identified for removal or where certain parts are infected, they are pruned and removed from the rest of the host tree," said Paulse.
"It is advised that where possible, the trees are chipped on site and the biomass be covered and safely removed to the landfill site to minimise spread if possible. Current uses of pesticides and fungicides has limited effect and has not proven effective at eradicating PSHB from infected trees, only in reducing the rate of re-colonisation in lightly infected trees."
He said currently there is no registered chemical or biocontrol method. The only control method is cutting the infested trees where there is visible infestation and safely remove the biomass to a designated landfill site.
Surveys to monitor the spread of the beetle and fungus in South Africa are in progress.
If an insecticide or a fungicide targeted for PSHB and its symbiotic fungus, Fusarium euwallaceae, be registered as an approved chemical for use and become available, the municipality can explore the economic viability and effectiveness of using these products.
"We encourage that the public report any signs of the infestation for an immediate response by the municipality," said Paulse.
"Each reported case is treated on an individual basis and assessed as required. Please phone the Parks and Recreation department on 044 802 2900 for assistance."
Director of Community Services Allen Paulse. Photo: Michelle Pienaar
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