Hortgro has been actively researching the threat PSHB poses to the deciduous fruit industry since 2019, starting with a preliminary assessment by Prof Francois Roets. This was followed by two research projects that are currently being conducted.
RESEARCH
- Potential threat of the PSHB to deciduous fruit trees, a preliminary assessment, Prof Francois Roets, Stellenbosch University. [Abstract]
- Sources and impact of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer beetle (PSHB, Euwallacea fornicatus) and its symbiotic fungus (Fusarium euwallaceae) on deciduous fruit trees in the Western Cape Province of South Africa –
- Assessing the threat of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer beetle (PSHB, Euwallacea fornicatus) and its symbiotic fungus (Fusarium euwallaceae) to deciduous fruit trees in the Western Cape Province of South Africa – Francois Roets (Abstract)
- Testing various trapping methods to improve trapping efficiency when collecting/monitoring Euwallacea fornicatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) – G Carelse (Abstract)
- Impact of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer beetle (PSHB, Euwallacea fornicatus) and its symbiotic fungus (Fusarium euwallaceae) on deciduous fruit trees in the Western Cape Province of South Africa – Casper Crous
- Optimising and applying a molecular identification tool to screen for polyphagous shot hole borer – Jonike Kemp
- Towards the monitoring and management of polyphagous shot-hole borer, Euwallacea fornicatus, in deciduous fruit orchards – Matthew Addison
- Sources and impact of PSHB on deciduous fruit trees, Prof Francois Roets, 2019, Stellenbosch University.
- Investigation into the biological control of polyphagous shot-hole borer using phoretic mites and entomopathogenic fungi – Francois Roets
- Pattern of polyphagous shot-hole borer infestation among plum cultivars and impact on tree function and fruit quality – Casper Crous
- Polyphagous shot hole borer: population management using trap trees – Matthew Addison
- Polyphagous shot hole borer: Determination of PSHB reproductive potential in various deciduous fruit tree and windbreak species – Matthew Addison
- Potential threat of the PSHB to deciduous fruit trees, Prof Francois Roets, Stellenbosch University.
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
Hortgro’s crop protection team has been conducting trials and assessments since January 2023. The assessments include:
- Preventative treatments: multiple stem barriers have been applied, and are continually evaluated.
- Population/infestation baseline data is being gathered in deciduous fruit orchards.
- Tree physiology assessments have been initiated to determine tree decline post-infestation.
- Treatment plots have been made available for treatments by commercial companies. These are independently evaluated.