Abstract:
The invasive ambrosia beetle, Euwallacea fornicatus, was first reported in South Africa in
2018. The beetle has now spread to eight provinces of the country and has had a devastating impact
on both native and non-native tree species. This is especially true for trees located in urban and
peri-urban environments. Recent predictions are that the South African E. fornicatus invasion will
cost an estimated ZAR 275 billion (approx. USD 16 billion) if it continues to spread uncontrollably,
justifying an urgent need for its effective management in the country. One option is biological control,
which is preferred over the use of chemicals due to its lower environmental impact. We tested two
broad-spectrum fungal entomopathogenic agents, Eco-Bb® and Bio-Insek, which are commercially
available in South Africa, for efficacy against E. fornicatus. Initial laboratory assays yielded promising
results. However, beetle infestation trials using treated pieces of woody castor bean stems showed
little effect on beetle survival and reproduction.
