Insects and Diseases of Mediterranean Forests: A South African Perspective

Abstract

The Mediterranean climate zone (MCZ) covers approximately 94,000 km2 along the southern and western tip of South Africa. Roughly coinciding with the Cape Floristic Province encompassing Fynbos, Renosterveld and Succulent Karoo biomes, the area has very few native forests. Most occur in sparse patches on south-facing slopes and in a few areas of contiguous Afromontane forest. Plantations in this region, as well as the pests and diseases that damage them, comprise primarily exotic species in the genera Pinus, Eucalyptus and Australian Acacia (wattle), both as planted crops and as wilding escapes. At least 22 of 43 insect pests are present on plantation trees in South Africa and 16 of 33 pathogens are present in the MCZ, some causing serious damage. A small number have also been intentionally introduced for biological control of invasive wattles. This chapter summarizes current knowledge on the insects and pathogens of Pinus, Eucalyptus and Australian Acacia in the MCZ South Africa. Special attention is given to examples where the biology, life history or expression of damage or disease differs from the summer rainfall areas of the country.