Abstract:
South Africa is a country with very limited natural forest cover. Consequently, the timber and fibre needs
of the country cannot be provided for from indigenous forest. It is largely for this reason that South
Africa initially developed a highly productive plantation forest industry, which today makes a substantial
contribution to the local economy. These plantations are based on non-native species of Eucalyptus,
Pinus and Australian Acacia. In the early years of establishment, South African plantations were relatively
free of pest and pathogen problems. But, over time, an increasing number of insects, fungi and bacteria
have emerged as serious threats to the sustainability of the forestry industry. Numerous native pests
and pathogens, especially insects, have adapted to these introduced tree species to cause damage or
disease. The problem is compounded by the accidental introduction of non-native pests and pathogens,
and this has been at a rapidly increasing rate over the past three decades. Some of these introduced pests
and pathogens also threaten the fitness and even the survival of many indigenous South African tree
species. Fortunately, South Africa has developed an impressive knowledge base and range of integrated
management options to deal with these problems. This development was first driven by government
programmes, and in more recent years by public–private partnerships between industry, universities and
government. It is clear from the pattern of emergence of pests and pathogens in recent years that South
Africa will deal with an increasing number of these problems and a continuously changing tree health
environment. This requires robust investment in both quarantine and mitigation mechanisms to protect the
country’s biodiversity as well as to ensure the sustainability of its wood and fibre industries.
SIGNIFICANCE :
• This review about tree health in South Africa was in part inspired by the 2020 International Year of Plant
Health. Plant health, and particularly tree health, is an important topic in regard to the sustainability of
our forestry industry and conservation of our native forests. South Africa has been a leader in the field
and this review highlights some of the achievements that researchers in the country, both past and
present, have attained.
