Farm Forestry New Zealand
PESTS AND DISEASES OF FORESTRY IN NEW ZEALAND
Assessment of trap log billets placed for Monochamus alternatus
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 No. 42, May 1995.
Earlier this year a live female Monochamus alternatus (Cerambycidae) was found in Christchurch. Searches in the immediate vicinity found no more specimens. This species is the main vector of pine wilt nematode in Japan but tests in the Forest Health laboratory showed that this specimen was not harbouring any nematodes. M. alternatus is attracted to, and breeds in, fresh pine logs (as well as dying trees and stumps) so in February and March pine billets were placed in the immediate vicinity of the discovery as a further check on beetle presence. When the billets were last checked at the end of May there were no signs of any cerambycid infestation. It is concluded that the single female found was a 'one off' occurrence.
Paul Bradbury
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.)
NZFFA on facebook