Insect attack in fire-damaged plantation trees at Bulolo in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

The progression of insect attack in sample plots of fire‐damaged Arucaria cunninghamii and Eucalyptus spp. was assessed. Fungi occurring on plot trees during the study were identified and listed.
In the 12 week period following the fire, ambrosia beetle attack (mainly Diapus pusillimus and Xyleborus perforans) was recorded on 77% of A. cunninghamii trees and 94% of Eucalyptus spp. trees. Highest attack occurred on burnt Eucalyptus deglupta. A total of 40% of Eucalyptus torelliana trees in the plots were severely damaged by the bostrychid Xylothrips religiosus, most attacks occurring in the first 5 weeks after the fire. Termite damage to Eucalyptus spp. was minimal 12 months after the fire but 44% of scorched A. cunninghamii were heavily attacked by Coptotermes pamuae during this period.
Extensive sapstain caused by Botryodiplodia theobromae was noted in A. cunninghamii and E. deglupta 3 weeks after the fire. The decay fungus Schizophyllum commune was found on all tree species 4 weeks after the fire but was most prevalent on A. cunninghamii.