This page has been published by the Shire in collaboration with the Leschenault Biosecurity Group (LBG), with information sourced from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
Biosecurity Alert: Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB)
The pest and its impacts:
The Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) is a wood-boring invasive beetle, native to Asia that excavates tunnels, or galleries, in the trunks and branches of trees. PSHB farms a fungus, which they spread inside tunnels, disrupting the plant’s vascular system and the flow of water and nutrients. This exotic beetle has been detected in South Africa, Israel, the USA, and most recently in Argentina.
In Australia, the box elder maple (Acer negundo), robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia) and coral trees (Erythrina x sykesii) are considered the highest risk host species. Other key host genus for surveillance include maple (Acer), plane (Platanus), avocado (Persea) and fig (Ficus) trees.
If you suspect a plant or tree is infested with PSHB, please contact DPIRD immediately - here's how you can make a report:
Report via the MyPestGuide® Reporter app
reporting your observation with this app will automatical maps location of your report and provides photos of your observation directly to DPIRD
Call or e-mail DPIRD Pest and Disease Information Service