The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is urging gardeners to check their citrus trees for citrus gall wasp, and to prune any infested trees before moving them.
The Department said the pest wasp damaged citrus trees by producing galls that weaken branches, eventually making them unproductive if left unmanaged.
It asks people who have recently purchased citrus trees to check them after a citrus gall wasp was found in a plant at a Bunbury nursery.
Biosecurity Representative at WA Citrus, Helen Newman (pictured) said that now was a good time to be moving citrus trees, as galls were visible.
“Moving infested plants poses a key risk of spreading this pest,” Ms Newman said.
“Galls are most visible at this time of year, so infested trees are easier to spot.
Research scientist at DPIRD, Rachelle Johnstone said pruned plant material needed to be treated before disposal otherwise the wasps could still emerge.
“Galls can be solarised by placing them in a well-sealed plastic bag and left in the sun for at least four weeks. Large galls may need to be chopped up,” Ms Johnstone said.
“If people are unable to prune now, horticultural glue can be used on the galls to trap and kill the wasps as they emerge.
“We remind gardeners in both metropolitan and regional areas to pay close attention to their trees and report suspect detections as soon as possible.”
She said that to report the presence of citrus gall wasp, gardeners should send a photo and their location (suburb) using the Department’s MyPestGuideTM Reporter app (select ‘Citrus gall wasp survey’ project) or contact the Pest and Disease Information Service on (08) 9368 3080, or email to [email protected].
