Experts to discuss invasive shot hole borer at Modderfontein event
Join Professor Solomon Newete on August 30 to learn more about how Johannesburg residents are helping track the polyphagous shot hole borer.
The Modderfontein Conservation Society (MCS) is inviting residents to an insightful talk by Professor Solomon Newete, a leading environmental scientist and senior researcher at the Agricultural Research Council – Natural Resources and Engineering.
Newete, also a visiting associate professor at the University of the Witwatersrand, will present “Beating the Beetle: How Johannesburg residents are helping track the polyphagous shot hole borer” on August 30 at 14:00 at the Education Centre, Modderfontein Nature Reserve.
Johannesburg’s trees are under threat from the invasive Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB), a tiny beetle that carries a deadly fungus.
This pest is damaging the city’s urban forest by blocking water and nutrient flow in trees, leading to gradual decline and death.
The beetle’s spread not only alters the beauty and shade of our streets and parks, but also impacts air quality and biodiversity.
The talk will highlight how everyday residents are becoming “citizen scientists” by spotting early signs of the infestation, such as tiny boreholes, powdery dust (frass), oozing resin, and wilting branches and reporting them to help create an accurate map of the beetle’s spread.
Entrance is R20 for MCS members and R30 for visitors.
For enquiries, contact Alison Coppin on 083 292 5406.
