Details of this species in New Zealand Status: Alien
Invasiveness: Invasive
Occurrence: Reported
Source: MAF/Biosecurity New Zealand, 2008 Arrival Date: 1989
Introduction: Unknown Species Notes for this Location:
Dutch Elm disease was first reported in Auckland in 1989. A 10 year period of continuous response action appears to have brought the disease under control,survey results give an indication that New Zealand may be the first country to successfully eliminate the disease.In the summer of 1993/94, Dutch elm disease was discovered in Sturm's Gully, Napier.The disease had spread through the gully in root grafts from adjacent trees. In 1997, about 200 elm trees were removed and destroyed. Monitoring in Sturm's Gully continues with no infections being detected.For nine years, the annual Dutch elm disease programme involved three disease detection surveys of all recorded elm locations in Auckland, vector pheromone trapping and removal of infected trees. During that period, disease levels declined with no "new" infected tree locations detected during the 1996/97, 1997/98 and 1998/99 seasons. Management Notes for this Location:
The then Ministry of Forestry initiated a response involving the removal and destruction of infected elms. Restrictions were put in place, still valid today, prohibiting the movement of any produce of elm trees from or into the greater Auckland area. Ongoing surveys were conducted and a database was designed to assist in the monitoring of all known elm locations in the area.
A pheromone trapping system for the vector was established in the 1990/91 season. Capture of the spore-carrying beetles assisted in determining the distribution of Dutch elm disease. The disease is also known to spread through root grafting or transportation of infected elm material such as firewood. For nine years, the annual Dutch elm disease programme involved three disease detection surveys of all recorded elm locations in Auckland, vector pheromone trapping and removal of infected trees. During that period, disease levels declined with no "new" infected tree locations detected during the 1996/97, 1997/98 and 1998/99 seasons.
Due to the reduced disease levels, beetle trapping was discontinued for the 1999/00 season and an "asymptomatic" (contained infection) survey was initiated to determine the incidence of the fungus within the inner growth rings of elm trees. Please follow this link for more details and updates on the management of the Dutch Elm disease in New Zealand. Impacts:
Other: Decline in Elm tree numbers due to removal and destruction of infected trees. Last Modified: 30/12/2005 1:13:52 p.m.
|
