HOW TO DISPOSE OF PSHB INFESTED MATERIAL
One of the ways, PSHB spreads, is by the transport of infested plant material. The proper disposal and treatment of infested wood is critical in preventing the spread of the insect.
- PSHB infested trees support large populations of beetles. When the trees are cut, beetles will leave the tree. If plant material is left untreated, beetles will continue to breed in the plant material, and this will lead to further infestations in nearby trees.
- Removal of PSHB infested wood and random disposal of the waste could lead to the further spread of the insect. Municipalities have specific dump sites for PSHB infested material.
- The transport of any untreated wood such as firewood and trees (plants in pots, nursery trees and ornamentals), between locations can lead to the introduction of the beetle into areas that are not infested by PSHB.
STEP 1
Fell highly infested trees as soon as possible. Preferably in cooler weather, as the beetle is less active.
STEP 2
Chip as soon as possible after felling, close to felling location.
Material should be chipped as small as practical (up to 25mm).
Chips should be left in a pile and covered with a plastic covering/ tarpaulin.
If felled trees cannot be processed immediately cover with plastic or tarpaulin.
Clean + decontaminate chipping machinery & pruning equipment after chipping before machinery is moved to a new location.
STEP 3 — Choose one
SOLARIZATION
- Cover logs and/or chipped plant material with clear plastic and place in full sun.
- Fully cover logs/chips and secure to prevent PSHB escape.
- Limit chips/logs to ensure even heating of material throughout.
- Material should remain covered for 6 weeks in summer (Nov – March) and 6 months in winter (April – Oct).
COMPOSTING
- Chipped plant material should be covered and can be composted and utilised as mulch.
HEAT TREATMENT
- High temperatures can be used to treat infested plant material.
- Would involve use of purpose-built kiln.
- Drying at 60°C for at least 60 minutes.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do remove primary host trees (trees in which PSHB can breed) before they become infested.
Do treat infested trees and plant material as soon after felling as possible. Infested material should be treated on-site.
Don’t move infested material to a new location.
Do treat all infested wood and plant material according to the recommendations.
Don’t move untreated wood and firewood into or out of any area.
Don’t move live plants with a stem diameter larger than 20 mm.
Do remove infested branches from secondary host trees (trees in which PSHB cannot breed) to prevent Fusarium die back.
Do monitor ornamental trees, windbreaks and orchards according to the established methods.
Do clean all equipment used to treat PSHB-infested material before it is moved to new areas.
Do report infestations of PSHB to pshb@hortgro.co.za. Monitoring and early detection of PSHB are critical.