The spread of giant pine scale to plantations threatens Australia’s softwood industry
The challenge
The spread of giant pine scale (GPS) to plantations threatens Australia’s softwood industry because there are currently no effective control options available to manage widespread infestations. GPS was found attacking pines in Adelaide and Melbourne in 2014, including Pinus radiata.
The solution
This project builds on existing research to advance sustainable management options for GPS in Australia. This research will re-assess the current spread and impact of GPS in Australia, complete specificity studies for one biocontrol agent species, initiate studies for the other two species and examine how all three species interact to suppress GPS populations in the native range.
Outcomes
The research will transform management of this damaging new pest by:
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- determining whether GPS can be managed effectively using a single biocontrol agent or by combining the effects of three different species that likely target GPS at different times and under different conditions;
- determining GPS’s current spread, and selecting the most suitable biocontrol agent release sites using airborne ArborCam remote sensing, geospatial modelling and on-ground surveys;
- having at least one biocontrol agent developed for industry adoption (pending approval); and
- developing a national management program that targets core infestations with biological control while rapidly detecting and controlling new and outlier infestations.
Media and associated information
https://woodcentral.com.au/afwi-giant-pine-scale-biocontrol/
