Efforts combined in invasive beetle battle
JOHANNESBURG – The ongoing battle against the shot-hole-borer has motivated RKG and Jufa to combine efforts in creating awareness in the fight against it.
The Johannesburg Urban Forest Alliance (Jufa) expressed their pleasure in partnering with the Rosebank Killarney Gazette and said they hope the combined efforts will ensure increased public awareness of the shot-hole borer.
Andrea Rosen from Jufa appealed to the public to learn how to identify symptoms of PSHB which vary from species to species; check for signs on trees in their own gardens and outside their properties; report these and ensure that infested tree material is disposed of in a responsible manner.
Rosen, however, said that the latter was currently very difficult as the City of Johannesburg has yet to allocate a dedicated disposal site for infested material from trees on private property.
“This is a matter of the greatest urgency. As we move into winter there is a high risk of this beetle spreading even further through the transportation of infested firewood. We urge the public should they remove an infested tree on their property, to ensure only reputable tree service companies dispose of the wood,” said Rosen.
In order to avoid false reports, clear photographs are required to confirm PSHB as this is essential to ensure our information is accurate.
Details: Johannesburg Urban Forest Alliance www.jufa.org.za/pshb
Keep the shot-holer-borer conversation going by tweeting to @RK_Gazette
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/247370/city-parks-is-downplaying-the-problem/
https://sandtonchronicle.co.za/208158/beetle-infestation-threat-still-looms/
