Farm Forestry New Zealand
PESTS AND DISEASES OF FORESTRY IN NEW ZEALAND
Update on new psyllids
Scion is the leading provider of forest-related knowledge in New Zealand
Formerly known as the Forest Research Institute, Scion has been a leader in research relating to forest health for over 50 years. The Rotorua-based Crown Research Institute continues to provide science that will protect all forests from damage caused by insect pests, pathogens and weeds. The information presented below arises from these research activities.
From Forest Health News 122, September 2002.
Two Australian psyllids, an aphid-like pest which causes damage to certain eucalypt trees, have been detected for the first time on the surrounds of Auckland Airport.
The insects were detected as part of routine risk site inspections by MAF. One of the psyllids ( Creiis lituratus^) is a known pest species in Australia where it causes significant
damage to some commercial eucalyptus species.
"At this stage we have completed our initial survey around a 5 kilometre radius of the first interception," said Peter Thomson, Director of MAF Forest Biosecurity. "The conclusion of our technical advisory group is that the species has become locally established and eradication is not an option. In any case, available sprays have limited efficacy and are not suitable for use in urban areas. Living as they do under a protective cover, these insects are difficult to reach with chemicals."
"Severe infestations can result in extensive damage to foliage. We are certain that these pests damage eucalypt trees only, and we are now investigating the species of eucalypts they are likely to prefer as hosts here. There is some evidence that these pests have arrived complete with their own natural parasite and this could provide us with a means of biological control," said Mr Thomson. An information sheet on the psyllids - C. lituratus and Anoeconeoassa communis - will be published for circulation to plant nurseries, wood lot owners and local government biosecurity officers to assist them with localised management.
Technical advisory group member Denis Hocking, of the Farm Forestry Association, said it is unfortunate some of the trees that surround our seaports and airports, especially some of the eucalypts, provide convenient "pest motels". "Australia is our nearest neighbour and host material and pests from there regularly cross the Tasman. One of our options might be to remove the large, inaccessible eucalypt trees in these high risk zones and replace them with trees that aren't attractive to pests, or perhaps low-growing varieties that are easier to inspect and can provide a more effective buffer. This could be combined with improved landscape and amenity values," said Mr Hocking.
MAF Forest Biosecurity surveys the surrounds of Auckland Airport for exotic pests seven times a year. The frequency of surveillance was recently increased from five to seven times, in recognition of the potential number of interceptions.
For further information contact:
Mark Ross
National Adviser, Forest Pest Surveillance and Response
MAF Biosecurity - Forest Biosecurity Group
tel: (04) 498 9611, or (025) 248 3296
email: rossm@maf.govt.nz
*Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) press release entitled “Eucalyptus trees at Auckland Airport attract Australian pests”, Friday, 6 September 2002 (FHNews 120:1;
121: 2).
^ Identified by David Hollis, British Museum (Natural History), London, after being tentatively assigned to the genus Hyalinaspis (FHNews 120:1).
This information is intended for general interest only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific specialist advice on any matter and should not be relied on for that purpose. Scion will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or exemplary damages, loss of profits, or any other intangible losses that result from using the information provided on this site.
(Scion is the trading name of the New Zealand Forest Research Institute Limited.)
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