Farm Forestry New Zealand
PESTS AND DISEASES OF FORESTRY IN NEW ZEALAND
The Australian dampwood termite, Porotermes adamsoni
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.12, August 1992.
A new location for Porotermes adamsoni has been recorded. This species was discovered at Picton in Australian hardwood being used for firewood. The timber in question had a chequered career. Subsequent enquiries revealed the timber was originally part of a bridge built in the early 1940's in the Wairau Valley. The bridge was removed about 8 years ago, with some of the timber acquired by the Marlborough Harbour Board. It was dumped at Picton and never used until an employee 6 years ago was given permission to take the lot for firewood, hence its discovery after all this time. What is interesting is the original recorded finding of this species in New Zealand was made in the early 1940's from imported railway sleepers used on the East Coast South Island railway.
Don Cooper
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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