The conclusive 20-page FSA Pests and Diseases Annual Report is testament to the collaboration, commitment, expertise and dedication embedded within the Forestry Sector. These attributes are particularly encouraging when tackling the threats posed by pests and diseases, as it is only through sector-wide collaboration, that we can respond quickly and effectively and find cost-effective solutions. This comprehensive report showcases the FSA funded research that often goes unnoticed but provides a front line of defence for the whole sectoion
“By summarising the research efforts in this way, Forestry South Africa (FSA) members will not only see how their money is being effectively spent but understand the leverage it gives the sector when applying for additional research funding, specifically from government“, explains Ronald Heath, FSA Director of Research and Protection. “We will always need to search for new and improved measures to combat the threats to the sector. Knowing that our sector can produce research of the highest calibre through collaboration, often involving international partnerships, fills me with confidence that our sector is suitably capacitated for the future.“
The report provides an overview of the research being conducted by the Eucalyptus Pest and Pathogen Working Group, Sirex Control Consortium, the Wattle Rust Working Group and the Timber Industry Pesticide Working Group (TIPWG). While there is a lot to celebrate, including the depth of research expertise found within the South African Forestry Sector, the report paints a stark picture on several fronts.
Firstly, confirming the presence of four new pest species:
- Phytophthora insolita – the pathogenicity of which is unknown and warrants trials to compare it with other Phytophthora species associated with eucalypt damage.
- Parvosmorbus like sp. – this novel fungus is part of a family associated with eucalypt canker.
- Cinara pinivora – Giant conifer aphid has been confirmed in the Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces.
- Essigella californica – the Monterey pine aphid has been confirmed in Mpumalanga. For both aphid species an assessment of damage, geographic and host distribution and natural enemies will be needed.
Perhaps of more concern, the report highlights the devastating impact the loss of government funding has had on several working groups, perhaps most notably the loss of the National Sirex Control Programme and the reduced monitoring capacity for many of the other working groups. While Industry has stepped in, with many FSA members bolstering funding to ensure working groups can continue to function – albeit at a reduced capacity, a more sustainable, long-term solution – we hope via the Presidentially-led Public Private Growth Initiative (PPGI) and Forestry Sector Masterplan – needs to be sought if South African forestry is to remain globally competitive and play an influential role in South Africa’s green economic recovery.
Media queries
Contact Dr Ronald Heath 083 611 6946 | ronald@forestrysouthafrica.co.za
About Forestry South Africa
Forestry South Africa (FSA) is South Africa’s largest forestry organisation representing growers of timber in South Africa. The Association’s membership includes all 13 corporate forestry companies active in the Industry, approximately 1,300 commercial timber farmers and some 20,000 emergent small scale growers who between them own or control no less than 93% of the total plantation area in the country. Given these credentials, FSA is regarded by Government and the private sector alike, as being the Industry’s “representative body”. The Association’s structure mirrors its membership with three separate and distinct entities under the umbrella of an overall Executive Committee, namely:
- Large Growers Group – corporate timber growers
- Medium Growers Group – commercial timber farmers
- Small Growers Group – emergent timber growers
Each of these groups have their own committee structure with proportional representation on the Executive Committee. FSA was granted registration as a Non-Profit Organisation in terms of the Non-Profit Organisation Act (Act No. 71 of 1997), by the Department of Social Development.
The FSA website provides a wealth of information about FSA as an organisation, its objectives and staff. It is linked with the Forestry Explained website, which provides a detailed overview of the Forestry Sector.
Source: FSA
