Polyphagous shot-hole borer training success

On Thursday 25 July, WALGA partnered with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Botanic Parks and Gardens Authority (BGPA) to provide Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB) training to Local Government field crews.

Over 60 operational crew from Local Governments across WA undertook training that will increase general knowledge of PSHB and ensure staff are equipped to effectively assist in surveillance efforts. 

The training included a site visit to look at infested trees and discuss their management and DPIRD gave very informative presentations about the biosecurity response, and process for the issue of the Pest Control Notice and Tree Management Plan.

The team from Kings Park also discussed the management of PSHB at their site, including pruning and removal of trees.

Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer is a wood-boring invasive beetle native to Asia. It burrows into the trunks and branches of trees, creating tunnels (also known as galleries).

PSHB farms a fungus in these tunnels, blocking the flow of water and nutrients and slowly killing the tree. PSHB is a serious declared pest that poses a significant threat to our urban canopy and valuable agricultural industry.

Thank you to all those who attended and made the training a success.

For more information about WALGA's efforts to increase awareness around PSHB, click here.