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South Africa plans to pump R352 million into world-first strategy

South Africa is set to invest R352 million in a pioneering strategy aimed at combating the spread of the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB), an invasive beetle that threatens numerous tree species across the country. This initiative, described as a world-first, will focus on research, development, and implementation of control measures to manage the beetle, which has already caused significant damage to urban forests and natural ecosystems. The funding will support a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies, to develop innovative solutions like biological controls, chemical treatments, and public awareness campaigns. The strategy also includes monitoring and early detection systems to prevent further spread of the PSHB, which has no known natural enemies in South Africa, making its control particularly challenging.

Read the Full MyBroadband Article at:
[ https://mybroadband.co.za/news/science/585129-south-africa-plans-to-pump-r352-million-into-world-first-strategy.html ]