City Parks maintains that they will only remove dead trees and not living, highly-infested host trees #GazetteProtectOurTrees
JOBURG – Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo has responded to points made in a lecture from Professor Wilhelm de Beer.
City Parks maintain that they will only remove dead trees and not living trees which are highly infested with the Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB).
This comes after Rosebank Killarney Gazette’s article How can we control the borer? [Week ending 19 April] stated that Professor Wilhelm de Beer of the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (Fabi) suggested that all highly-infested reproductive host trees should be removed.
Manager of urban forestry at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) Thabang Mokone stated that the entity has maintained this position due to: a lack of research data to support the claim that the removal of reproductive host trees is the best solution, the loss of biodiversity this will cause, a lack of funding, a lack of dedicated dumping sites and the aftermath of such deforestation.
Mokone added, “At JCPZ’s last meeting with de Beer, he was not in support of JCPZ removing big and matured infested reproductive (susceptible) trees. This advice was applicable to smaller trees planted in private stands.”
De Beer also pointed out the need for more research to be done in South Africa to reduce the impact. Mokone stated that JCPZ has established its own internal research team who map, identify and monitor reproductive host trees. He also stated that trails are being developed to find safe disposal methods for infested, cut wood. “JCPZ has developed its Terms of Reference to appoint and fund universities in this regard,” said Mokone.
De Beer also pointed out the harm that the transportation of firewood can bring to the spread of the beetle. Mokone responded to this stating, “JCPZ has developed its own standard operating or working procedures on transportation and disposal of infested, cut wood.”
De Beer alerted those working in the green industry about the lack of research being done in the nursery space regarding the spread of the borer. Mokone said that the management and oversight of nurseries falls outside of the competency and mandate of JCPZ.
“In all communications to stakeholders, JCPZ has highlighted that residents and the industry must remain vigilant in the purchase of plant material and when disposing of infested wood,” said Mokone.
Spokesperson for JCPZ Jenny Moodley stated that the next public engagement regarding the shot-hole borer will take place on 14 May at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia.
Residents are urged to report PSHB in street trees to 011 375 5555. A dedicated service ticket has been established specifically to the PSHB by the City of Joburg.
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/250798/researcher-discusses-how-to-control-the-borer/amp
City Parks commits to more engagement with community regarding shot-hole-borer
JCPZ says its too early to classify the outbreak of shot-hole-borer as a disaster
