Update: CoE confirms PSHB infection in Edenvale
“Trees are being infected on a daily basis.”
The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) confirmed that trees in Edenvale are infected by the invasive polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) beetle.
On March 20 the NEWS published an article “Beetle threatens trees”, urging community members to report any signs of the beetles.
Also read: CoJ takes steps to minimise impact of polyphagous shot hole borer
It reported that several trees in Elma Park were already infected by the beetles.
CoE spokesperson Themba Gadebe said it is not possible for the city to give an exact figure of infected trees at the moment.
“Trees are being infected on a daily basis.”
The beetles, believed to be of Asian origin, contain the fungal symbiont fusarium euwallaceae, which infects the trees the beetles bore into.
Gadebe said currently there is no preventative measure which can be put in place.
“The city’s effective method of eradicating the spread of the infection is to cut down infested trees hosting the beetle‚ and to dispose of them in a controlled manner‚ by cutting and burning them.”
Also read: Deadly beetle threatens urban forest
He said once a tree is infected it cannot be cured.
“If the tree is not removed the infection will spread further to other trees.”
Gadebe encouraged residents to phone the city’s call centre if they believe a tree is infected with the PSHB beetle.
Contact the call centre on 086 054 3000.
