Gardeners and residents in the Hope Valley area of Adelaide are being asked to report any signs of the sap-sucking plant pest giant pine scale. This follows a recent detection of the pest within Hope Valley, the first detection of the pest in South Australia since 2018. Source: Timberbiz
Staff from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions are working closely with Local Government and the forest industry to determine if the pest has spread further.
Native to the eastern Mediterranean region, giant pine scale (Marchalina hellenica) causes branch dieback, gradual desiccation and tree death. It feeds exclusively on plants from the pine family, such as pines, firs and spruces.
If established, the insect poses a threat to Australia’s softwood plantation industry by causing:
- branch dieback
- gradual desiccation
- tree death.
In Victoria, giant pine scale was found in such large numbers that it could not be effectively eradicated.
Giant pine scale can be detected by looking for masses of the characteristic white cotton-like secretions the pest leaves on the trunks and branches of pine trees when it feeds.
The spread of the pest is often caused by human contact, particularly by the pest sticking onto shoes, clothing or equipment.
Residents, gardeners, and arborists are being reminded to look for the signs of the pest on the trunks and the canopy of trees and report anything suspicious.
If you see or suspect giant pine scale, report it to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
