Community comes together to solve PSHB crisis

With the formation of an informal committee, residents of Elma Park can start looking forward to a future without the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) in their neighbourhood.

The PSHB committee, made up of Elma Park residents, aims to create awareness of a possible solution to rid trees in the suburb of the beetle.

According to committee member Alex Dellas, there are approximately 50 trees seriously affected by the beetle in Elma Park.

She said about 10 trees have already died because of the beetle.

Trees affected lose a portion of their leaves, have a fine light brown powder covering the bark and damp circular dark markings on the bark.

In a 2018 press release, found on the municipality’s website, said the beetle originates from Asia and contains the fungal symbiont fusarium euwallaceae.

Only two millimetres in size, the beetle bores tunnels into tree trunks and spreads the fungus.

“Trees the beetle infests often die from the fungus carried into the tree,” was stated in the press release.

Bruce Williams, another committee member, said the committee is working with Pan African Farms in a pilot project to test the impact of fungicide and other sprays on the beetles.

He said when spraying the trees, the three sprays used are:

1 .A fungicide which kills the fungus.

2. A surfactant which allows the spray to be absorbed quicker into the trees.

3. A chemical which kills the beetle.

Bruce said the sprays need to sprayed separately as they could counteract one another.

“If something is not done, we can kiss our trees goodbye,” said Bruce.

Most of the affected trees in Elma Park are not indigenous to South Africa and include species like the paper bark thorn and the boxelder maple.

Alex urged community members to rather leave possibly infected trees alone.

Once disturbed, the beetle often flies to a nearby tree which it will begin to affect.

She suggested that community members make use of the sprays or make use of an established tree feller who knows how to handle trees infected with the PSHB beetle.

In the months to come, the committee hopes to host a demonstration to show community members how to use the sprays.

Bruce urged anyone from surrounding suburbs or towns which have trees infected with the PSHB beetle to contact the committee.

For more information send an email to communicate@epaca.co.za