Management - Forest Health

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Insects

Insects can cause major problems to the health of your trees, which can result in restricted growth, damaged wood or even death. Growers are encouraged to be vigilant in terms of monitoring plantation health over the first three years when insects such as autumn gum moth, sawflies, Chrysomelid beetles and wingless grasshoppers can cause severe damage. As trees get older significant insect damage can still occur and early detection may mean a more effective and cost efficient solution.

Leaf Diseases

Eucalypts with coloured blotches or dead patches on their leaves are a common sight. There are many causes of such blemishes including nutrient deficiencies and environmental factors such as drought, water logging or frost. But one of the most common causes is fungal disease. Fortunately, common forms of fungal disease generally do little damage to eucalypts.

Nutrition

Fertilising aims to relieve nutrient deficiencies or imbalances and improve tree growth by ensuring that an adequate level of nutrients is available. In most cases fertiliser is not required for native species such as Eucalypts and Acacias. However exotics such as Pines may benefit from some fertiliser treatment.

To assist in identifying health problems in your trees, the Forest Health Information section in the Publication Index of PIRSA Forestry’s website has some great fact sheets to help identify insect, plant disease or nutritional problems. It also features information on predatory insects that help to control pest insects and maintain plantation health. These predatory insects are an important feature in plantations and their presence must be considered before choosing to spray insecticides because these chemicals are not discretionary and application may result in more insect pest problems in the future.

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