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Expert sheds light on highly destructive plant pathogen

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An expert has shed light on destructive plant disease ‘polyphagous shot-hole borer’ (PSHB) at a public lecture held at Murdoch University last month.

Dr Shannon Lynch, an Assistant Professor from the University of California, has unique knowledge about the disease, which is caused by the invasive ambrosia beetle (Euwallacea fornicatus) and fungus (Fusarium euwallaceae).

The pest was first detected in WA in 2021, in East Fremantle, and is currently contained within a quarantine area around Perth which covers 30 local government areas. 

Scientists in Southern California have been dealing with the pest for more than a decade, and the area is home to more than 77 tree species that act as reproductive hosts for the beetles and fungi. 

The devastation caused by PSHB is evident in California’s river valleys, where it has killed hundreds of thousands of willow trees. 

Hosted by the Harry Butler Institute, Dr Lynch’s lecture discussed how an Integrative Pest Management (IPM) approach helped to map infestation, identify priority hotspots, treat infected trees and ensure effective, ongoing management. 

Using California’s Disneyland Resort as a case study, Dr Lynch shared how IPM efforts had been highly successful in dramatically reducing beetle populations in the park, with some trees even recovering from the infection. 

The strategies Dr Lynch has been developing across California involve collaborating with key agencies and research organisations to combine monitoring, detection, invasion biology, risk assessment, treatment and control with stakeholder engagement for the most effective management. 

Executive Director of the Harry Butler Institute Professor Treena Burgess, who facilitated the lecture and Dr Lynch’s visit, said the lecture both informative and timely.

“The Harry Butler Institute is thrilled to be able to host Dr Lynch to deliver this public lecture for the community and share her expertise with a range of government agencies and organisations while she’s here in Perth,” Professor Burgess said. 

Polyphagous shot-hole-borer is of great concern, and we are committed to collaborating with universities and government agencies both locally and internationally to deliver impactful research and find lasting solutions for our state in response to this challenge.” 

Among the lecture attendees were scientists, horticulturalists, arborists, gardeners, program managers and natural area managers across local and state government, academia, community and the private sector. 

When the lecture concluded, Dr Lynch opened the floor to questions and provided clarity on treatment and management options related to various industries here in Perth. 

During Dr Lynch's time in Perth, she spent time with both the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development - and spoke with local media outlets, sharing key insights into pest management.

Further information on California’s invasive shot-hole borer (ISHB) management can be found on the ISHB website www.ishb.org.

 

Learn more about the Harry Butler Institute's research centres. 

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Expert sheds light on highly destructive plant pathogen

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