Author: Dr. Angus Carnegie
Urban trees provide a multitude of benefits to people, such as improving mental health, filtering pollutants, reducing stormwater runoff and combating the effects of climate change. However, many exotic pests and diseases threaten the health of our urban trees. They can arrive unknowingly on cargo ships, luggage and imported goods. These pests and diseases can then escape into urban areas, establish, and spread. Phytophthora dieback and myrtle rust are two plant diseases that are already affecting plants in urban environments as well as in native ecosystems.
Dieback of grass tree (Xanthorrhoea species) caused by Phytophthera (image credit: Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney)
Myrtle rust on paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) leaf (image credit: A. Carnegie)
Early detection of these pests and diseases is key to being able to eradicate them before they can establish and spread. While the state and federal governments have programs in place to catch these pests and diseases, some still escape.
This is why we need the help of the public to help us detect these pests early. The NSW Department of Primary Industries has produced Forest Pest Factsheets with key signs and symptoms to help you know what to look out for, and how to report it.
For more information go to: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forestry/science/forest-health/protect-what-we-love