PSHB is one of the top priorities at Hortgro given the serious impact it could have on the future viability of the pome and stone industries. A PSHB Focus Group was formed and meets regularly to monitor development and agree on industry priorities in mitigating the risk.
Monitoring is essential for limiting the spread and management of PSHB. Producers are encouraged to regularly physically monitor their trees.
PSHB will most likely be found in ornamental trees first prior to orchard infestation.
1. Identify highly susceptible host trees
2. Visually inspect the trees at two-week intervals for possible infestation.
3. If infestation is suspected report here.
TRAPS
*not yet available for farm producers.
A total of 156 PSHB traps were placed in six major deciduous fruit production regions for the 2025-2026 season. There are approximately 20 to 50 traps per area serviced by FruitFly Africa.
Hortgro is monitoring PSHB in all the major production regions in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces.
- Stellenbosch
- Berg river valley (Franschhoek, Simondium, Paarl and Wellington)
- Warm and Koue Bokkeveld
- Wolseley
- EGVV (Elgin, Grabouw, Villiersdorp and Vyeboom)
- Langkloof
- Klein Karoo
- Breede river valley (Worcester, Roberston, Ashton, Bonnievale)
MAP
Indication distribution and PSHB monitoring
PSHB distribution in South Africa
EASTERN CAPE: Kaukamma (Storms River; Tsitsikamma Falls); Makana (Makhanda – Grahamstown); Ndlambe (Port Alfred); Buffalo City (East London)
FREE STATE: Mangaung (Bloemfontein)
GAUTENG: Ekurhuleni (Bedfordview); City of Johannesburg (Region A: Lanseria, Midrand; Region B: Craighall Park, Hurlingham, Randburg; Region C: Roodepoort; Region D: Soweto); Tshwane (Daspoort, Rietondale Park)
KWAZULU-NATAL: eThekwini (Buffelsdraai, Durban, Durban North, Gillets, Kloof, Scottburgh, Umhlanga); KwaDukuza (New Guelderland, Shaka’s Rock); Msunduzi (Pietermaritzburg); Umdoni (Pennington); uMhlathuze (Felixton); Ray Nkonyeni (Umzumbi)
LIMPOPO: No confirmed reports to date.
MPUMALANGA: Mbombela (Nelspruit)
NORTHERN CAPE: Frances Baard (Jan Kempdorp) NORTHWEST: Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati (Greater Taung); Matlosana (Hartbeesfontein)
WESTERN CAPE: Bitou (Greater Plettenberg Bay, Harkerville Forest); George (George, Wilderness); Knysna (Knysna, Sedgefield); City of Cape Town (Somerset West, Newlands, Claremont, along the Liesbeeck River) and Stellenbosch.