By ANEEKA SIMONIS
A RESTRICTION zone designed to protect trees from a deadly, sap-sucking pest in Harkaway has near tripled as the introduced pest spreads further north-east.
Giant pine scale, an exotic insect that can dehydrate affected pines, furs and spruce trees to the point of death, was detected in around 500 trees in Harkaway, alongside a separate zone in Mount Waverly this year.
Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) set up a restriction zone around both south-east pine infested area to reduce the spread – but the zones have now amalgamated and are continuing to expand.
Environmental protection teams have now widened the restriction zone, which prevents people from touching, moving or collecting samples believed to have been in contact with the pest, from Officer to Healesville and as close to the CBD as Camberwell.
DEDJTR incident controller John Balfour has already treated around 75 per cent of infected trees across the state with insecticide.
“Altogether 743 of the known 992 infested trees have been treated since the beginning of February,” Mr Balfour said.
“All treatment is being undertaken by department staff at no cost to landowners. It involves directly injecting insecticide into infested trees which is subsequently ingested by the pine scale through the sap, with no spraying involved.”
If the insecticide treatment program does not control the spread – which puts Australia’s $1 billion softwood industry at risk – it will be replaced by a removal program, according to Mr Balfour.
“Mechanical control such as tree removal may be used in exceptional circumstances if insecticide use is not feasible. We appreciate the co-operation that we are receiving from the public and other agencies.
Gardeners are encouraged to report any white, waxy secretions they see on their pine, fir or spruce trees via the toll-free exotic plant pest hotline on 1800 084 881.
