Insect pest problems of eucalypt plantations in Australia

Abstract

Summary The plantation estate of Eucalyptus globulus in Western Australia, though small in relation to hardwood plantations elsewhere, has generally been free of insect problems. Ten insect species have, however, been recorded causing significant, but sporadic, damage. The four most important are Wingless grasshopper, African black beetle, Leafblister sawfly and Spring beetle. The first two have caused mortality though defoliation and bark chewing respectively and the other two height decrement. Preparation and dissemination of an Insect Manual in 1990 has helped co-ordinate the detection of damaging levels of insects and ensure the use of appropriate control measures. The major deficit in knowledge concerns the economic injury levels for insect species in plantations.