Insect and fungal damage to young eucalypt trial plantings in northern New South Wales

Summary

Potentially damaging insect pests and fungal pathogens were surveyed on 38 species and 72 provenances of eucalypts, prior to canopy closure, in plantations at three sites in north-eastern New South Wales. Relative levels of foliage damage were compared with the relative growth rates (tree heights) of the species and provenances, including those most commonly planted in the region. Eucalyptus pilularis, E. dunnii, E. grandis and Corymbia spp. Multiple assessments over two years enable comment on the seasonality of attack by the more common damaging agents, including Christmas beetles, (Anoplognathus spp.), leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae), psyllids (Cardiaspina spp.) and the fungal pathogens, Ramularia pitareka and Mycosphaerella cryptica.