Australia has extensive forest resources, both native and introduced. Many of the native tree species have evolved along with their natural predators. Some platnation species have been inroduced from overseas. Both native and introduced tree species may be severely damaged or killed by both native and introduced pests and diseases.

Some signs that your trees may be infested with pests would be dieback of the leaves and holes in the bark. Naturally there maybe some nibbling of the leaves or needles of your trees and this is OK. Afterall the tree is a major source of food to many native insects and animals. However you should be concerned if more than 10% of the foliage of your trees are affected, then the cause should be investigated.

         

LEAFHOPPER (Jamella australiae)

This insect is native to North Queensland, and has been imported to Northern New South Wales and Southern Queensland through distribution of landscape plants.

The female lays eggs on the backs of the Pandanus tree's leaves. When the eggs hatch the leaf hoppers feed on the tree's sap. The insects produce a sticky substance called honeydew which encourages mould growth. This causes the leaves to drop and kills the tree's growing points, eventually causing the death of the tree.

Symptons consist of black stripes of honeydew on the underside of branches and general yellowing and dieback. Upon closer inspection of the crowns, the finergnail shaped insects can be seen, as maybe masses of wooly white eggs.

Below are some pictures of Pandanus with the Leafhopper bug.

     

 

 Here is a picture of a Pandanus after two treatments for leafhopper.  Enviro-Tech has two spray units working in around the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Toowoomba spraying for pests.

Below are some websites you can take a look at for more information on pests and diseases that can affect your trees. 

www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/YourEnvironment/pdfs/PANDANUS_DIEBACK_2005_TSC_mm.pdf

www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_11216_ENA_HTML.htm

 

PALM PESTS

Some of the most common pests to attack Palms are the Sugar cane weevil borer, and the Palm leaf beetle

Some of the symptons you may find on your palm could include a jelly like substance oozing from holes in leaf bases. Staining of the trunk and the borer is about 3.5mm wide and are usually a tan to dark brown colour.

The weevil borer usually makes holes on new and old fronds and causes yellowing of the leaves. They are small about 6-8mm long and black with red spots.

The leaf beetle can be recongnised by a scorched appearance on the leaves as they turn brown, shrivel up and curl. The beetle is about 10mm long and 2.5mm across. they are black and orange in colour. Coconut palms are the usual host to leaf beetles but there have been at least 27 other native palms affected in Australia.

 

 

 

This is a perfect speciman of a Date palm