Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer Response Industry Update August 2024
“Pome fruit is considered a non-reproductive host. The beetle attacks non-reproductive hosts, but PSHB is not reported as able to establish galleries and complete its lifecycle on these species. While the fungus may be present in these hosts, the disease does not establish, and these hosts are not expected to die. ”
The Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) response is a nationally coordinated and funded eradication response led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
PSHB has only been found in the Perth metropolitan area. Recent media reports of a PSHB detection in the Harvey area were incorrect, and DPIRD has confirmed that no positive PSHB detections have been made outside the metro area. DPIRD has inspected over 62,000 properties, of which less than 1,300 have confirmed PSHB detections. In response to these detections, over 3000 trees have been removed, and many more trees have been pruned to remove the borer without removing the whole tree. DPIRD has over 100 surveillance staff out in the field checking traps and inspecting trees with additional contracted arborists removing infested trees in confirmed locations.
In addition to the Perth-based surveillance, PSHB surveillance traps exist in multiple regional areas from Geraldton to Esperance. Those traps have not returned any positive PSHB analyses, meaning there is no scientific evidence of the presence of PSHB in any of these areas. The department will continue to work closely with local councils to deal with concerns in respect to
PSHB in regional areas.
Working with WA horticultural industries
PSHB is considered both an environmental and agricultural pest. It has more than 500 host species globally, mainly amenity trees with some natives and horticultural trees. The top hosts for PSHB are the Box elder maple (Acer negundo), robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia), and Coral tree (Erythrina x sykes).
The beetle farms a Fusarium fungus inside host plants, which spreads through the tunnels created by the beetle and disrupts the plant’s vascular system and the flow of water and nutrients. These species are referred to as reproductive host plants. Species of trees in which the beetle cannot establish the fungus are referred to as non-reproductive hosts. The impact of PSHB on the latter species is limited. For a full list of both reproductive and non-reproductive host, please visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/borer.
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