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The tiny polyphagous shot hole borer beetle poses a massive climate threat to SA if not controlled, and could kill up to 65 million trees in the cities’ urban forests, writes Claire Keeton
Thousands of urban trees have already been killed and removed as an infestation of the polyphagous shot hole borer beetle, also known as the tree-killing beetle, in the country continues to spread, with 65 million urban trees at risk of dying in cities over the next three decades, unless the si...
South Africa could lose 65 million urban trees at a cost of R275 billion if nothing is done to stop the spread of the polyphagous shot hole borer beetle.
The infestation has spread to eight of the country's nine provinces, and is the largest current outbreak globally.
An ongoing concern of tree lovers is a dreaded pest known as the polyphagous shot-hole borer beetle (PSHB). This tiny beetle bores into tree trunks, introducing a fungus that weakens and often kills the trees.