Danie van der Walt from Ballito writes:
In response to the article ‘Castor oil plant hosts deadly beetle’ (Courier, August 8), I am disappointed in the lack of response to the reporting of infestations and an total absence of a national strategy to eradicate the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSBH) beetle.
So far only one chemical substance to treat infected trees has been approved.
This is a fungicide sprayed on the bark which I would consider a waste of time.
Surely treatment administered systemically is the only answer.
Why is it a problem getting these chemicals registered and freely made available to property owners?
If curbing locust infestations is a government responsibility why are they dragging their feet on this one?
This summer these beetles will spread far and wide and there will be no way to contain them if a national strategy is not in place.
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