A COMMUNITY information session on an invasive tree-killing beetle affecting Kalamunda will be on at the Kalamunda Summer Garden Festival on December 1.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) will host a stall at the festival manned by their polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) response team.

DPIRD previously held a community information session on PSHB at Pickering Brook Sports Club on November 6.

The garden festival will be another opportunity for attendants to look at samples of PSHB infested organic matter and ask questions.

The beetles bore into susceptible trees and cultivate a fusarium fungus within the pathways it makes in the tree which it uses as food for themselves and their larvae.

The fungus grown inside the tree impedes the uptake of water and nutrients which can in turn cause dieback and tree death.

PSHB infestation discoveries have been increasing each month since it was first detected in Lesmurdie in August, as reported in Some Kalamunda trees lost to PSHB.

DPIRD has reported the pest has only been found in the Perth metropolitan area and are being monitored by the department to stop its spread.

They have also urged residents to keep an eye out and report any sightings of PSHB infestations.

City of Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas said the city was supporting DPIRD’s efforts in removing and disposing infected material under the PSHB national eradication program which the department led.

“The city has advocated for increased community education and hosted a DPIRD community information session on October 6 at Pickering Brook Sports Club, and assisted property owners with arranging inspections by DPIRD officers,” she said.

“City staff have also been trained in the detection of suspicious symptoms to assist with DPIRD’s efforts.

“Trees are a vital part of the City of Kalamunda’s natural beauty and environmental health.

“Residents are encouraged to stay informed and report signs of PSHB.”
Signs a tree might be infested with the beetle are tiny holes in the tree trunk, discolouration or staining on the surface of the tree, or dieback.

Sightings of PSHB may be reported through the MyPestGuide Reporter app, emailing padis@dpird.wa.gov.au, or by calling the DPIRD pest and disease information service on 9368 3080.

The Kalamunda Garden Festival is a community event that is staged four times a year on the first Sunday of every season.

It will run from 10am to 3pm at Stirk Park, where attendants can learn more about the PSHB and explore the range of gardening stalls at the event.