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FABI in a nutshell

Research Features

'Polyphagous' refers to the ability of the PSHB to infest many different tree species. In California, surveys in botanical gardens revealed that more than 200 tree species have been infested, damaged and often killed, by these organisms. An important distinction is being made between different types of infestations. Reproductive host trees are trees that the beetle infests and where it successfully establishes a breeding gallery in which the fungus grows, where eggs are laid, and larvae develop into mature adults, thus completing its life cycle. The majority of reproductive hosts eventually succumb to the disease symptoms caused by the fungus. Non-reproductive host trees are attacked by the beetle, but the beetles do not establish breeding galleries. The fungus may, or may not cause disease and these trees are generally not expected to die.

A problem when compiling host tree lists is that sometimes PSHB can infest a stressed tree (e.g. as result of drought, too much water, root damage, etc.). Such an individual, stressed tree might then become a reproductive host, whereas healthy growing individuals of the same species are barely affected. Thus, when trees are assessed for Fusarium Disease or whether it is a reproductive host, other stress factors on the tree should always be considered.

To date 161 tree species have been found infested in South Africa. These include 83 reproductive hosts and 78 non-reproductive hosts. The COMPLETE HOST TREE LIST can be downloaded here (Last updated 2023-04-18).

 

What is the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB)?

 

What is the difference between the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) and Invasive Shot Hole Borers (ISHB)?

The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer [PSHB = Euwallacea fornicatus] is one of four closely related species. The
other three species are:

  • Tea Shot Hole Borer A [TSHB-a = Euwallacea perbrevis]
  • Tea Shot Hole Borer B [TSHB-b = Euwallacea fornicatior]
  • Kuroshio Shot Hole Borer [KSHB = Euwallacea kuroshio]

To date, only the PSHB has been found in South Africa. However, both the PSHB and KSHB have invaded
California, while TSHB-A has invaded Florida. These species carry similar fungi, have similar life styles and
similar effects on trees. From a management perspective, they are dealt with in the same ways. In California
they have thus started referring to the PSHB and KSHB jointly with the single term Invasive Shot Hole Borers
(ISHB).

 

I think my trees are infested with PSHB, how can I know for sure?

The entrance holes of PSHB are about 1mm in diameter. This is approximately the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen or toothpick. The holes are perfectly round (never oval).

You can compare the symptoms on your trees with the following photographs:

 

What does the PSHB look like?

If you found beetles on your tree(s), compare them with these photographs:

 

I found a beetle larger than 2mm in my trees. What is it?

Many other larger beetle species bore into dead and dying trees, but these are usually secondary, and not the cause of tree death. The PSHB is one of only a few insects that will bore holes into living stems or branches of trees.

 

I am still not sure if I have found PSHB, who can help me with identification?

You can send photographs of the infested trees to the FABI diagnostic team, but to assist you we need a specific set of photographs and some basic information.

  • Please follow these instructions when taking photographs
  • Please provide the tree species (if known) and location (name of the town, if possible the exact address).
  • Send the photos by email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (English please, some of our staff do not speak the other South African languages

 

Should I send a sample of PSHB or the infested tree to FABI?

PLEASE DO NOT SEND, POST OR COURIER LIVING BEETLES TO US WITHOUT DISCUSSING IT WITH US FIRST, AS THEY CAN EAT THROUGH PAPER AND PLASTIC. WE DO NOT WANT TO SPREAD THE BEETLE AROUND THE COUNTRY!

We shall request you to provide a sample for confirmation only when the tree species in question is not on the current host tree list, or is in an area where the beetle has not been found before (current distribution in South Africa).

  • Instructions on how to prepare a sample.
  • Please fill out this sample information sheet with as much information as is available, print and include with the sample, and email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

What is the difference between reproductive and non-reproductive host trees?

The PSHB can attack many species of trees. However, it is not able to breed and multiply on all these tree species.

  • Reproductive hosts: trees in which both the beetle and the fungus establish. The beetles construct galleries (tunnels) and breed successfully. In many cases reproductive hosts will eventually die.
  • Non-reproductive hosts: trees that are attacked by the beetle, but in which the beetles do not establish breeding galleries. The fungus may, or may not cause disease. Trees are generally not expected to die.

 

What is a ‘heavily infested’ reproductive host tree?

A tree is considered to be a heavily infested reproductive host if PSHB is actively breeding throughout the tree. You will see many entrance and exit holes, with other signs such as frass or noodles indicating extensive beetle activity. Once a susceptible reproductive host tree becomes heavily infested, it is generally not expected to survive.

 

What species of trees are attacked by PSHB?

An updated list of confirmed host trees in South Africa. Tree species are only added to this list if the identity of the beetle and/or the fungus was confirmed in our laboratories by means of DNA sequencing.

 

In which parts of South Africa has the presence of PSHB been confirmed?

Map of confirmed locations in South Africa. Localities are only added to this list if the identity of the beetle and/or the fungus was confirmed in our laboratories by means of DNA sequencing.

EASTERN CAPE: Kaukamma (Storms River; Tsitsikamma Falls); Makana (Makhanda - Grahamstown); Ndlambe (Port Alfred); Buffalo City (East London)

FREE STATE: Mangaung (Bloemfontein)

GAUTENG: Ekurhuleni (Bedfordview); City of Johannesburg (Region A: Lanseria, Midrand; Region B: Craighall Park, Hurlingham, Randburg; Region C: Roodepoort; Region D: Soweto); Tshwane (Daspoort, Rietondale Park)

KWAZULU-NATAL: eThekwini (Buffelsdraai, Durban, Durban North, Gillets, Kloof, Scottburgh, Umhlanga); KwaDukuza (New Guelderland, Shaka's Rock); Msunduzi (Pietermaritzburg); Umdoni (Pennington); uMhlathuze (Felixton); Ray Nkonyeni (Umzumbi)

LIMPOPO: No confirmed reports to date.

MPUMALANGA: Mbombela (Nelspruit)

NORTHERN CAPE: Frances Baard (Jan Kempdorp)

NORTHWEST: Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati (Greater Taung); Matlosana (Hartbeesfontein)

WESTERN CAPE: Bitou (Greater Plettenberg Bay, Harkerville Forest); George (George, Wilderness); Knysna (Knysna, Sedgefield); City of Cape Town (Somerset West)

 

How does the PSHB kill trees?

As adult females bore into trees to establish breeding galleries, they introduce the fungus Fusarium euwallaceae, which colonises gallery walls. The fungus is cultivated as a food source for developing larvae and adult beetles, but it invades and kills the tree’s vascular tissues, preventing sap flow. This can lead to branch dieback and tree death.

 

I have confirmed PSHB is attacking trees on my property. What should I do now?

Treatment or removal of infested trees on private land is the responsibility of the landowner. Firstly, try to determine whether or not your tree is a reproductive host and how severely it is infested. This will determine which action should be taken.

If the tree is a heavily-infested reproductive host (list of reproductive hosts), cut it down. If you are unsure, your local arborist might also be able to advise.

  • If the main stem is not infested, only the infested branches need to be removed. (But this is unlikely, as PSHB usually infests the stem first).
  • Preferably treat the cut wood on site in one of the following ways:
    • Chip the wood (if possible to finer than 5cm), and allow chips to compost by keeping the heap wet.
    • OR burn the wood on site if fire is permitted in the area where you live. Some beetles will fly away when the wood becomes hot or when smoke appears, so do not burn wood in uninfested areas.
    • OR solarize (leave in full sun) chopped wood under thoroughly-sealed clear plastic sheets for at least one month in summer or several months during winter.
  • If the wood has to be removed from the property, dump the wood at a dedicated dumping site (contact your municipality to find out where such a site is).
  • DO NOT MOVE FIREWOOD AROUND, ESPECIALLY NOT OUT OF THE INFESTED AREA WHERE YOU LIVE.

If the tree has only a few beetle holes, and no signs of further activity after the initial attacks are seen, it is most likely a non-reproductive host (list of reproductive hosts).

 

Do I really need to cut my tree down?

The removal of heavily infested reproductive host trees is considered an important strategy to reduce the number of beetles in the environment. Heavily infested reproductive hosts become a major source of large numbers of beetles, which increases the risk of adjacent trees being infested, and the likelihood of PSHB spreading to new localities. Removing these heavily infested trees reduces the risk of unchecked beetle spread. Importantly, after the removal of an infested tree, the material has to be disposed of appropriately to reduce beetle survival and spread.

  

I have confirmed PSHB is infesting trees on government land. What should I do now?

Inform the relevant authority. Trees on municipal land (e.g. streets and city parks) are the responsibility of the municipality, and may not be removed without their permission. Trees on other government property (e.g. nature reserves) are managed by a variety of provincial and national government bodies (e.g. SANParks, CapeNature, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife). Some of these authorities have put reporting structures in place. The ones of which we are aware, are listed here:

Western Cape: fill in the online report form at www.capetowninvasives.co.za

Johannesburg: email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Whatsapp: 0828030748

Other municipalities: contact the Parks, Garden or Environment section of the relevant municipality.

For parks or protected areas: report to the appropriate government structure.

 

Are there any chemicals that I can use to treat my trees?

At present no chemical product is registered (legal) to use on PSHB in South Africa. However, control of light infestations on trees may be achievable by direct injection of insecticides and fungicides. Studies from California show combinations of the insecticides emamectin benzoate and bifenthrin and fungicides, including propiconazole, can reduce infestation, especially when applied during early stages (Mayorquin et al. 2018; Grosman et al. 2019). Chemical control of PSHB in more heavily infested trees, however, seems unattainable (Mayorquin et al. 2018). Chemical treatments are currently being investigated in a South African context. While some of these may prove effective, applying these in natural settings will not be feasible.

  

FABI’s mandate is to conduct research on tree health, paid for by specific industries and organizations, as well as to provide scientifically sound information about PSHB to all stakeholders. We do not have the capacity to treat or remove infested trees. If the trees you are concerned about are on municipal (e.g. streets, parks, etc.) or government land (e.g. in a national park or protected area), the trees should be reported to the municipality or responsible agency. If the suspected infested tree is on private property, the responsibility for removal and treatment is with the landowner. Please contact your local arborist for advice on possible treatment or assistance with tree removal.

If you have questions to which the answers are not provided on our Frequently Asked Questions list, please feel free to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you suspect that you have found the PSHB on a tree species not yet mentioned on the current host tree list, or from an area where the beetle has not been found before (current distribution in South Africa), please inform us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND SAMPLES TO FABI WITHOUT FIRST CONTACTING US FIRST AT This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., AS THESE BEETLES CAN EAT THROUGH PAPER AND PLASTIC. WE DO NOT WANT TO SPREAD THE BEETLE AROUND THE COUNTRY!

 To report infested trees in public spaces please contact the local authority. Some municipalities have established dedicated report vehicles:

 Western Cape: fill in the online report form at www.capetowninvasives.co.za

 Johannesburg: email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Whatsapp: 0828030748

Over the past few years, researchers at FABI had been in contact with senior academics from seven universities in relation to PSHB research. From these engagements a multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary research network evolved. At present we are aware of 16 research projects on PSHB conducted by Honours, Masters and PhD students, research fellows and postdoctoral Fellows, that are overseen by altogether 17 supervisors from the different universities.

The PSHB Research Network was established at a meeting of these researchers in May 2019 at FABI. The aims and strategies of the PSHB Research Network are as follows:

  1. To align and coordinate all research efforts by bona fide researchers from academic institutions in South Africa. This is to make sure that expertise and resources are utilized to the maximum in order to answer the most important research questions related to PSHB and its fungal symbionts.
  2. To provide science- and data-based advice to all stakeholders in government and private sectors.
  3. To effectively communicate new research findings related to PHSB among network members and to stakeholders and the public.
  4. To leverage funding. By showing that research projects form part of a well-structured, coherent research programme, more funding opportunities should become available.
  1. Media
  2. Brochures
  3. Background Info
  4. PSHB Home

New Publications

Nethononda PD, Hurley BP, Slippers B, Makhura MN. (2026) Smallholder farmers’ knowledge, perception and management of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Zea mays at irrigation schemes in Limpopo province, South Africa. Crop Protection :107457. 10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107457
Botha I, De Canha MN, Oberlander K, Botes J, Lall N, Berger DK. (2025) DNA barcoding and anti-tyrosinase activities of three species-representative populations of the genus Greyia Hook & Harv. South African Journal of Botany 189:55-67. 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.035
Nel WJ, Barnes I, Jali S, Impson F, Oberprieler RG, Hurley BP. (2025) First report of Melanterius inconspicuus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cleogonini) from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with observations of its development in black wattle. Southern Forests 10.2989/20702620.2025.2537823 PDF
Regasa K, Beze W, Anjulo A, Wondafrash M, Hurley BP, Lawson SA, Healey M, Germishuizen I. (2025) Evaluating fungicides for the management of rust (Uromycladium acaciae) on black wattle nursery seedlings in Awi zone, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. International Journal of Forestry Research 10.1155/ijfr/5547814
Ramantswana TM, Malatji DP, Pierneef RE, Soma P, Van Der Nest MA, Muchadeyi FC. (2025) Differential gene expression analysis of Dohne Merino sheep naturally infected with Haemonchus contortus. Scientific Reports 15:41843. 10.1038/s41598-025-25782-y
Nadasen T, Buitendag C, Visser R, Welgemoed T, Hein I, Berger DK. (2025) A latent invader: transcriptomics reveals Cercospora zeina’s stealth infection strategy of maize and immune-activating effectors. Frontiers in Plant Science 16:1-23. 10.3389/fpls.2025.1703682
Wilson AM, Wingfield MJ, Duong TA, Wingfield BD. (2025) Thermotolerance and post-fire growth in Rhizina undulata is associated with the expansion of heat stress-related protein families. BMC Genomics 26:1041. 10.1186/s12864-025-11902-5
Fuchs T, Vismer HF, Visagie CM, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ. (2025) Low genotypic diversity and first reports of clinical Sporothrix from retrospective samples in South Africa. Medical Mycology 10.1093/mmy/myaf102
Yilmaz N, Verheecke-Vaessen C. (2025) Mycotoxins: An ongoing challenge to food safety and security. PLOS Pathogens 21(11) 10.1371/journal.ppat.1013672
Coelho MA, David-Palma M, Kachalkin AV, Kolařík M, Turchetti B, Sampaio JP, Wingfield MJ, Fisher MC, Yurkov AM, Heitman J. (2025) Genomic and phenotypic insights into the expanding phylogenetic landscape of the Cryptococcus genus. PLOS Genetics 21(11) 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011945 PDF
Ramatsitsi NM, Manyevere A, Motloba T. (2025) Myco-ecological warfare with Meloidogyne species. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science 71(1):1-15. 10.1080/03650340.2025.2579892 PDF
Shaw PL, Slippers B, Wingfield BD, Laurent B, Penaud B, Wingfield MJ, Crous PW, Bihon W, Duong TA. (2025) Chromosome-level genome assemblies for the latent pine pathogen, Diplodia sapinea, reveal two accessory chromosomes with distinct genomic features and evolutionary dynamics. G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics :jkaf239. 10.1093/g3journal/jkaf239 PDF
Coelho MA, David-Palma M, Marincowitz S, Aylward J, Pham NQ, Yurkov AM, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ, Sheng S, Heitman J. (2025) The complex evolution and genomic dynamics of mating-type loci in Cryptococcus and Kwoniella. PLoS Biology 23:e3003417. 10.1371/journal.pbio.3003417
Visagie CM, Houbraken J, Overy DP, Sklenář F, Bensch K, Frisvad JC, Mack J, Perrone G, Samson RA, van Vuuren NI, Yilmaz N, Hubka V. (2025) From chaos to tranquillity: a modern approach to the identification, nomenclature and phylogeny of Aspergillus, Penicillium and other Eurotiales, including an updated accepted species list. Studies in Mycology 112:117–260. 10.3114/sim.2025.112.04
Vincent C, Singh A, Michalczyk GZ, Lane SL, Kaur R, Gill AR, Dziedzic N, De Silva K, Cho A, Cardoso AA, Alade DO, Tejera-Nieves M, Sharkey TD, Schmiege SC, Pelech E, Locke AM, Leisner CP, Teshome DT. (2025) Importance of measuring and reporting environmental conditions across plant science subdisciplines. Plant Physiology 199(2) 10.1093/plphys/kiaf405
Maake MM, Beukes CW, van der Nest MA, Avontuur JR, Muema EK, Stepkowski T, Venter SN, Steenkamp ET. (2025) Argyrolobium legumes from an African centre of endemism associate with novel Bradyrhizobium species harbouring unique sets of symbiosis genes. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 214:108471. 10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108471
Joubert M, van den Berg N, Theron J, Swart V. (2025) Small RNAs derived from avocado sunblotch viroid and their association with bleaching symptoms: implications for pathogenesis in avocado sunblotch disease. Archives of Virology 170(10):205. 10.1007/s00705-025-06360-z PDF
Mavima L, Steenkamp ET, Beukes CW, Palmer M, De Meyer SE, James EK, Venter SN, Coetzee MPA. (2025) Estimated timeline for the evolution of symbiotic nitrogen fixing Paraburkholderia. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 213:108447. 10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108447
Pham NQ, Liu FF, Duong TA, Wingfield BD, Chen SF, Wingfield MJ. (2025) Genetic diversity of Calonectria reteaudii isolates from infected Eucalyptus leaves and associated soils indicates a phyllosphere origin of the pathogen. Forest Pathology 55:e70037. 10.1111/efp.70037
Schröder ML, Hurley BP, Wingfield MJ, Slippers B, Garnas JR. (2025) Thermal limitations to the biological control of Gonipterus sp. n. 2 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in South African Eucalyptus plantations. Agricultural and Forest Entomology 10.1111/afe.70002
Lynn KMT, Wingfield MJ, Tarigan M, Durán A, Santos SA, Nel WJ, Barnes I. (2025) Investigating bark, ambrosia and nitidulid beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytinae and Nitidulidae) communities and their potential role in the movement of Ceratocystis manginecans in commercial forestry plantations in Riau, Indonesia. Agricultural and Forest Entomology 10.1111/afe.12698
Solís M, Hammerbacher A, Wingfield MJ, Naidoo S. (2025) Transcriptional responses of Eucalyptus to infection by an aggressive leaf blight pathogen reveal the role of host secondary metabolites during pathogen germination. Plant Molecular Biology 115 10.1007/s11103-025-01625-2
Coertze S, Coetzee B, Basson E, de Villiers D, Makhura T, Moster D, Slippers B, Rose LJ, Visagie CM, Read D. (2025) First Report of Clavibacter nebraskensis Causing Goss’s Bacterial Leaf Blight on Maize (Zea mays) in South Africa. Plant Disease 109:1580. 10.1094/PDIS-01-25-0164-PDN
Overy DP, Frisvad JC, Witte TE, Hicks CL, Hermans A, Sproule A, Louis-Seize G, Seifert KA, Yilmaz N, Price J, van Vuuren NI, Visagie CM. (2025) Chemodiversity of Penicillium isolated from alpine and arctic environments, including ten new species. Studies in Mycology 112:75–116. 10.3114/sim.2025.112.03
Mailula DM, Wingfiled BD, Van Der Nest MA, Hammerbacher A. (2025) Production of fusel alcohols and fusel acetates by pathogenic fungi in the Ceratocystidaceae. Fungal Ecology 76:101427. 10.1016/j.funeco.2025.101427
Seale T, Brözel VS, Potgieter SC, Rupp O, Blom J, Steenkamp ET, Venter SN. (2025) Diversity of Environmental Escherichia coli in Subtropical Freshwater Systems of South Africa. Current Microbiology 82:414. 10.1007/s00284-025-04402-y
Harris MA, Kemler M, Slippers B, Hassel N, Tsamba J, Arthan W, Kellogg EA, AuBuchon-Elder T, Vorontsova MS, Archibald S, Hempson GP, Lehmann CER, Besnard G, Bergerow D, Brachmann A, Solofondranohatra CL, Greve M. (2025) Productivity drives leaf mycobiome diversity patterns at global and continetal scales. Global Ecology and Biogeography 34:e70094. 10.1111/geb.70094
Gao M, Yan Z, Liu Z, Jiang Y, Liu T, Miao X, Dai M, Bose T, Chang R. (2025) A novel Arthrobotrys species: Taxonomic characterization, nematicidal activity, and multi-omics insights into nematode predation. Biological Control 208:105853. 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105853
Esterhuizen HJ, Slippers B, Bosman AS, Roux J, Jones W, Bose T, Hammerbacher A. (2025) Early detection of Phytophthora root rot in Eucalyptus using hyperspectral reflectance and machine learning. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 237:110761. 10.1016/j.compag.2025.110761
Pham NQ, Wingfield BD, Marincowitz S, Brawner JT, Hulcr J, Wingfield MJ. (2025) Cryphonectria canker on Eucalyptus in Florida reconsidered. Forest Pathology 55:e70031. 10.1111/efp.70031
Crous PW, Catcheside DEA, Catcheside PS, Alfenas AC, Alfenas RF, Barreto RW, Lebel T, Balashov S, Broadbridge J, Jurjević , De la Peña-Lastra S, Hoffmann R, Mateos A, Riebesehl J, Shivas RG, Soliz Santander FF, Tan YP, Altés A, Bandini D, Carriconde F, Cazabonne J, Czachura P, Gryta H, Eyssartier G, Larsson E, Pereira OL, Rigueiro-Rodríguez A, Wingfield MJ, Ahmad W, Bibi S, Denman S, Esteve-Raventós F, Hussain S, Illescas T, Luangsa-ard JJ, Möller L, Mombert A, Noisripoom W, Olariaga I, Pancorbo F, Paz A, Piątek M, Polman-Short C, Suárez E, Afshan NS, Ali H, Arzanlou M, Ayer F, Barratt J, Bellanger J, Bidaud A, Bishop-Hurley SL, Bohm M, Bose T, Campo E, Chau NB, Çolak F, Cordeiro TRL, Cruz MO, Custódio FA, Couceiro A, Darmostuk V, Dearnaley JDW, De Azevedo Santiago ALCM, De Freitas LWS, Yáñez-Morales MDJ, Domnauer C, Dentinger B, Dhileepan K, De Souza JT, Dovana F, Eberhardt U, Eisvand P, Erhard A, Fachada V, García-Martín A, Groenewald M, Hammerbacher A, Harms K, Haroon S, Haqnawaz M, Henriques S, Hernández AJ, Jacobus LM, Jaen-Contreras D, Jangsantear P, Kaygusuz O, Knoppersen R, Kumar TKA, Lynch MJ, Mahiques R, Maraia GL, Marbach PAS, Mehrabi-Koushki M, Miller PR, Mongkolsamrit S, Moreau P, Oberlies NH, Oliveira JA, Orlovich D, Pérez-Méndez AS, Pinto A, Raja HA, Ramírez GH, Raphael B, Rodrigues A, Rodrigues H, Ramos DO, Safi A, Sarwar S, Saar I, Sánchez RM, Santana JS, Scrace J, Sales LS, Silva LNP, Stryjak-Bogacka M, Tacconi A, Thanh VN, Thomas A, Thuy NT, Toome M, Valdez-Carrazco JM, Van Vuuren NI, Vasey J, Vauras J, Vila-Viçosa C, Villarreal M, Visagie CM, Vizzini A, Whiteside EJ, Groenewald JZ. (2025) Fungal Planet description sheets: 1781–1866. Persoonia 54:327–587. 10.3114/persoonia.2025.54.10
Nzuza P, Schröder ML, Heim RJ, Daniels L, Slippers B, Hurley BP, Germishuizen I, Sivparsad B, Roux J, Maes WH. (2025) Assessing Gonipterus defoliation levels using multispectral unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) data in Eucalyptus plantations. Ecological Informatics 90:103301. 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2025.103301
Kunene S, Mmushi TJ, Steenkamp E, Motaung T. (2025) Pinus-derived membrane vesicles disrupt pathogenic metabolism in fungi. plant biology 10.1111/plb.70069 PDF
Theron CA, Wingfield MJ, Ahumada R, Carnegie AJ, Fraser S, Rodas C, Barnes I. (2025) Diversity and distribution of Lophodermium species on non-native Pinus species in the southern hemisphere. Mycological Progress 24(44) 10.1007/s11557-025-02056-5
Msweli D, Geerts S, Nndanduleni M, Paap T. (2025) Evaluation of phosphite to protect a South African Proteaceae from Phytophthora root rot. Journal of Plant Pathology 10.1007/s42161-025-01945-8 PDF
Dewing C, Yilmaz N, Steenkamp ET, Wingfield BD, Visagie CM. (2025) Capturing the fungal diversity hidden in Eastern Cape dairy pastures. Mycological Progress 24(1):38. 10.1007/s11557-025-02059-2
Nel WJ, Duong TA, Fell S, Herron DA, Paap T, Wingfield MJ, de Beer ZW, Hulcr J, Johnson AJ. (2025) A checklist of South African bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae, Platypodinae). Zootaxa 5648(1):1-101. 10.11646/zootaxa.5648.1.1
Dewing C, Yilmaz N, Steenkamp ET, Wingfield BD, Visagie CM. (2025) Capturing the fungal diversity hidden in Eastern Cape dairy pastures. Mycological Progress 24:38. 10.1007/s11557-025-02059-2 PDF
Chang R, Yan Z, Jiang J, Wang Y, Si H, Bose T, Miao C. (2025) Four novel endolichenic fungi from Usnea spp. (Lecanorales, Parmeliaceae) in Yunnan and Guizhou, China: Taxonomic description and preliminary assessment of bioactive potentials. MycoKeys 118:55–80. 10.3897/mycokeys.118.155248
Lötter A, Bruna T, Duong TA, Barry K, Lipzen A, Daum C, Yoshinaga Y, Grimwood J, Jenkins JW, Talag J, Borevitz J, Lovell JT, Schmutz J, Wegrzyn JL, Myburg AA. (2025) A haplotype-resolved reference genome for Eucalyptus grandis. G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics 10.1093/g3journal/jkaf112
Wingfield MJ, Pham NQ, Marincowitz S, Wingfield BD. (2025) Cryphonectriaceae: Biodiverse and threatening tree pathogens in the tropics and southern hemisphere. Annual Review of Phytopathology 63 10.1146/annurev-phyto-121823-030316
Queffelec J, Allison JD, Slippers B, Greeff JM. (2025) Determinants of mating success in a lek-mating species. Agricultural and Forest Entomology :1-10. 10.1111/afe.12692
Magagula P, Swart V, Fourie A, Vermeulen A, Nelson JH, van Rooyen Z, van den Berg N. (2025) Avocado rhizosphere community profiling: white root rot and its impact on microbial composition. Frontiers in Microbiology 16 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1583797
Marincowitz S, Pham NQ, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ. (2025) Microfungi associated with dying quiver trees (Aloidendron dichotomum) in South Africa. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 16:71–80. 10.3114/fuse.2025.16.5 PDF
Pham NQ, Marincowitz S, Crous PW, Wingfield MJ. (2025) Diversity of soil-borne Gliocladiopsis from Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 16:81–92. 10.3114/fuse.2025.16.6 PDF
Tanney JB, Kemler M, Vivas M, Wingfield MJ, Slippers B. (2025) Silent invaders: The hidden threat of asymptomatic phytobiomes to forest biosecurity. New Phytologist 10.1111/nph.70209
Fick A, Swart V, Van den Berg N. (2025) In silico prediction method for plant Nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat- and pathogen effector interactions. The Plant Journal 122:e70169. 10.1111/tpj.70169
Ramakuwela T, Motloba T. (2025) Beneficial nematodes: A natural solution for pest control and soil health. Farmer's Weekly 25014 10.10520/ejc-farmweek_week_v2025_n25014_a12
Bose T, Wingfield MJ, Brachmann A, Witfeld F, Begerow D, Kemler M, Dovey S, Roux J, Slippers B, Vivas M, Hammerbacher A. (2025) Removal of organic biomass in Eucalyptus plantations has a greater impact on fungal than on bacterial networks. Forest Ecology and Management 586:122734. 10.1016/j.foreco.2025.122734
Woodward S, Amin H, Mártin-Gárcia J, Solla A, Diaz-Vazquez R, Romeralo C, Alves A, Pinto G, Herron D, Fraser S, Zas R, Doğmuş-Lehtijärvi HT, Bonello P, Wingfield MJ, Witzell J, Diez JJ. (2025) Host-pathogen interactions in the Pine-Fusarium circinatum pathosystem and the potential for resistance deployment in the field. Forest Pathology 55(2):e70020. 10.1111/efp.70020
Maduke N, Slippers B, Van der Linde E, Wingfield M, Fourie G. (2025) Botryosphaeriaceae associated with racemes, fruits and leaves of macadamia in South Africa. Plant Pathology 0:1–15:1–15. 10.1111/ppa.14107
Hulcr J, Barnes I, Barnes M, Gazis R, Hammerbacher A, Johnson AJ, Lynch S, Lynn K, Marais GC, Mayers CG, Nel W, Villari C, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ. (2025) From forest to fungus: A roadmap to bark beetle mycobiome research. Phytoparasitica 53(45) 10.1007/s12600-025-01246-x
Knoppersen RS, Bose T, Coutinho TA, Hammerbacher A. (2025) Inside the Belly of the Beast: Exploring the Gut Bacterial Diversity of Gonipterus sp. n. 2. Microbial Ecology 88:27. 10.1007/s00248-025-02524-1
Bose T, Roux J, Titshall L, Dovey SB, Hammerbacher A. (2025) Mulching of post-harvest residues and delayed planting improves fungal biodiversity in South African Eucalyptus plantations and enhances plantation productivity. Applied Soil Ecology 210:106091. 10.1016/j.apsoil.2025.106091
Wychkuys KA, Giron E, Hyman G, Barona E, Castro-Llanos FA, Sheil D, Yu L, Du Z, Hurley BP, Slippers B, Germishuizen I, Bojacá CR, Rubiano M, Sathyapala S, Verchot L, Zhang W. (2025) Biological control protects carbon sequestration capacity of plantation forests. Entomologia Generalis 10.1127/entomologia/2025/3015 PDF
Balocchi F. (2025) Risk Analysis for Alien Taxa (RAAT) for Phytophthora cinnamomi in South Africa. 10.5281/zenodo.14858265
Paap T, Balocchi F, Wingfield MJ. (2025) The root rot pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi: a long-overlooked threat to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. Biological Invasions 27(4) 10.1007/s10530-025-03570-z PDF
Harikrishnan K, Rajeshkumar KC, Patil PM, Jeewon R, Visagie CM. (2025) Aspergillus dhakephalkarii and A. patriciawiltshireae spp. nov., two new species in Aspergillus sect. Nigri ser. Japonici (Eurotiales, Aspergillaceae) from India. Phytotaxa 695:57–79. 10.11646/phytotaxa.695.1.2
Wilson A, van Dijk A, Marx B, du Plessis D, Terblanche G, Bornman S, Wilken PM, Duong TA, De Fine Licht HH, Wingfield BD. (2025) Extracting Protoplasts from Filamentous Fungi Using Extralyse, An Enzyme Used in the Wine Industry. Current Protocols 5(e70122):1-29. 10.1002/cpz1.70122
Dewing C, Visagie CM, Steenkamp ET, Wingfield BD, Yilmaz N. (2025) Three new species of Fusarium (Nectriaceae, Hypocreales) isolated from Eastern Cape dairy pastures in South Africa. MycoKeys 115:241–271. 10.3897/mycokeys.115.148914 PDF
van der Merwe E, Slippers B, Dittrich-Schröder G. (2025) Exploring artificial diets for the laboratory rearing of Sirex noctilio late-instar larvae: a qualitative study. Zenodo 10.5281/zenodo.15049303
Mapfumo P, Archer E, Swanevelder ZH, Wilken M, Creux N, Read DA. (2025) Plant Pathology. Genomic Characterisation of Bidens mottle virus in South Africa and an Assessment of the Impact on Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) in an Open Field Setting 10.1111/ppa.14089
Brasier CM, Grünwald NJ, Bourret TB, Govers F, Scanu B, Cooke DEL, Bose T, Hawksworth DL, Abad ZG, Albarracin MV, Alsultan W, Altamirano-Junqueria AE, Arifin AR, Arnet MJ, Aumentado HDR, Bakonyi J, Belisle WH, Benigno A, Bienapfl JC, Bilodeau GJ, Blair JE, Botella L, Brandano A, Cacciola SO, Carbone I, Castroagudin VL, Chaendaekattu N, Consford JD, Corcobado T, Covey PA, Daniels HA, Deidda A, Dorrance AE, Dort EN, Drenth A, Drizou F, Evangelisti E, Fajardo SN, Fang Y, Ference CM, Frankel SJ, Goss EM, Guest DI, Hardy GESJ, Harris ARH, Hawku MD, Heungens K, Hong C, Horner IJ, Horta Jung M, Iyanda OJ, Jamieson B, Jeffers SN, Judelson HS, Junaid M, Kalogeropoulou E, Kamoun S, Kang S, Kasuga T, Kudláček T, LeBoldus J, Lee CA, Li D, Llanos AK, Lopez-Nicora HD, Machado H, Di San Lio GM, Maia C, Mandal K, Manosalva P, Martin FN, Matson MEH, McDougal RL, McDowell JM, Michelmore RW, Milenković I, Moricca S, Mostowfizadeh-Ghalamfarsa R, Nagy Z, Nikolaeva EV, Ortega-López P, Paap T, Parada-Rojas CH, Peduto Hand F, Perez-Sierra A, Pettersson M, Prasad P, Puig AS, Raco M, Rajput NA, Ristaino JB, Rooney-Latham S, Seidl MF, Shamoun SF, Solla A, Spies CFJ, Sudermann MA, Swiecki TJ, Tian M, Tripathy S, Uematsu S, Van Poucke K, Vichou AE, Walter M, Webber JF, Williams NM, Wingfield MJ, Yadav D, Yang X, Jung T. (2025) Preserving the Biologically Coherent Generic Concept of Phytophthora, ‘Plant Destroyer’. Phytopathology 10.1094/PHYTO-11-24-0372-LE
Stazione L, Corley JC, Allison JD, Hurley BP, Lawson SA, Lantschner MV. (2025) Novel associations among insect herbivores and trees: Patterns of occurrence and damage on pines and eucalypts. Ecological Applications 35:e70018. 10.1002/eap.70018
van den Berg N, Magagula P, Backer R, Swart V. (2025) Towards developing an integrated approach for the treatment of white root rot in commercial avocado orchards. Phytoparasitica 53(32) 10.1007/s12600-025-01250-1 PDF
Townsend G, Hill M, Hurley BP, Roets F. (2025) Escalating threat: increasing impact of the polyphagous shot hole borer beetle, Euwallacea fornicatus, in nearly all major South African forest types. Biological Invasions 27 10.1007/s10530-025-03551-2 PDF
Makunde PT, Slippers B, Bush S, Hurley BP. (2025) Host specificity and host stage preference of Psyllaephagus species (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) towards invasive eucalypt psyllids (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae). Agricultural and Forest Entomology :1-13. 10.1111/afe.12679
Tarigan M, Wingfield MJ, Jami F, Oliveira LSS, Saha MA, Durán A, Pham NQ. (2025) Pathogenicity of Pythium myriotylum on Acacia crassicarpa and Acacia mangium × Acacia auriculiformis clones in Indonesia. Southern Forests: a Journal of Forest Science 87:1–5. 10.2989/20702620.2024.2432863
D’Angelo D, Hu H, Lahoz E, Risteski J, Steenkamp E T, Viscardi M, van der Nest M A, Wu Y, Yu H, Zhou J, Karandeni Dewage C S, Kotta-Loizou L I, Stotz H U, Fitt B D L, Huang Y, Hu Y, Kiss L, Sorrentino R, Nkomo T, Zhou X, Vaghefi N, Sonnekus B, Bose T, Cerrato D, Cozzolino L, Creux N, D’Agostino N, Fourie G, Fusco G, Hammerbacher A, Idnurm A, Wingfield BD. (2025) IMA GENOME - F20 A draft genome assembly of Agroathelia rolfsii, Ceratobasidium papillatum, Pyrenopeziza brassicae, Neopestalotiopsis macadamiae, Sphaerellopsis filum and genomic resources for Colletotrichum spaethianum and Colletotrichum fructicola. IMA Fungus 16:e141732. 10.3897/imafungus.16.141732
Espach A, Esterhuizen L, Africander N, Thiart S, Read DA, Pietersen G. (2025) First report of pepper ringspot virus on potato (Solanum tuberosum) in South Africa. Journal of Plant Pathology 10.1007/s42161-025-01887-1
Muema EK, van Lill M, Venter SN, Claassens R, Steenkamp ET. (2025) Mesorhizobium salmacidum sp. nov. and Mesorhizobium argentiipisi sp. nov. are symbionts of the dry-land forage legumes Lessertia diffusa and Calobota sericea. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 19(3):1-20. 10.1007/s10482-025-02063-2
Motaung TE, Ratsoma FM, Kunene S, Santana QC, Steenkamp ET, Wingfield BD. (2025) Harnessing exogenous membrane vesicles for studying Fusarium circinatum and its biofilm communities. Microbial Pathogenesis 10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107368
van Dijk A, Wilson AM, Marx B, Hough B, Swalarsk-Parry BS, De Vos L, Wingfield MJ, Wingfield BD, Steenkamp ET. (2025) CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing reveals that the Pgs gene of Fusarium circinatum is involved in pathogenicity, growth and sporulation.. Fungal Genetics and Biology 10.1016/j.fgb.2025.103970
Balocchi F, Wingfield MJ, Paap T. (2025) First record of the white root rot fungus Dematophora necatrix on indigenous South African trees. Journal of Plant Pathology 10.1007/s42161-025-01861-x PDF
Coelho MA, David-Palma M, Aylward J, Pham NQ, Visagie CM, Fuchs T, Yilmaz N, Roets F, Sun S, Taylor JT, Wingfield BD, Fisher MC, Wingfield MJ, Heitman J. (2025) Decoding Cryptococcus: From African biodiversity to worldwide prevalence. PLOS Pathogens 21:e1012876. 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012876
Solís M, Hammerbacher A, Wingfield M.J, Naidoo S. (2025) Enhancing plantation forest sustainability: A review of Eucalyptus defence mechanisms to foliar fungal pathogens. Current Forestry Reports 10.1007/s40725-024-00243-3
Ratsoma MF, Santana QC, Wingfield BD, Steenkamp ET, Motaung TE. (2025) Understanding cargo sorting and interactive effects of membrane vesicles in fungal phytopathogens: Current knowledge and research gaps. Fungal Biology Reviews 51 10.1016/j.fbr.2025.100411
Harvey A, van den Berg N, Swart V. (2025) In silico characterisation of the avocado WAK/WAKL gene family with a focus on genes involved in defence against Phytophthora cinnamomi. Frontiers in Plant Science 15:1474781. 10.3389/fpls.2024.1474781 PDF
Botes J, Ma X, Chang J, Van de Peer Y, Berger DK. (2025) Flavonoids and anthocyanins in seagrasses: implications for climate change adaptation and resilience. Frontiers in Plant Science 15(1520474):1-17. 10.3389/fpls.2024.1520474
Wondafrash M, Wingfield MJ, Hurley BP, Slippers B, Mutitu EK, Jenya H, Paap T. (2025) DNA sequence data confirms the presence of two closely related cypress-feeding aphid species on African cypress (Widdringtonia spp.) in South Africa. Southern Forests 86:278-285. 10.2989/20702620.2024.2390863 PDF
Mangani R, Mazarura J, Matlou S, Marquart A, Archer E, Creux N. (2025) The impact of past and current district-level climatic shifts on maize production and the implications for South African farmers. Theoretical and Applied Climatology 156:109. 10.1007/s00704-024-05334-6
Möller H, Slippers B, van den Berg N. (2025) Branch canker battles: understanding and managing the Botryosphaeriaceae in avocado. Phytoparasitica 53(17) 10.1007/s12600-024-01227-6
Pham NQ, Wingfield BD, Barnes I, Gazis R, Wingfield MJ. (2025) Elsinoe species: The rise of scab diseases. Plant Pathology 10.1111/ppa.14015
Theron E, van Niekerk JM, van der Waals JE. (2025) A review of the use of phosphonates in the management of Phytophthora nicotianae in citrus in South Africa. Phytoparasitica 53(11) 10.1007/s12600-024-01234-7 PDF
Aylward J, Atkins S, Roets F, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ. (2025) Several Seiridium species (Sporocadaceae: Xylariales) cause cypress canker in South Africa. Fungal Biology 129:101528. 10.1016/j.funbio.2024.101528
Martin G, Canavan K, Chikowore G, Bugan R, De Lange W, du Toit B, Harding G, Heath R, Hill M, Hurley BP, Ivey P, Muir D, Musedeli J, Richardson DM, Slippers B, Stafford L, Turner A, Watson K, van Wilgen BW. (2025) Managing wilding pines in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa: Progress and prospects. South African Journal of Botany 177:377-391. 10.1016/j.sajb.2024.12.011 PDF
Wingfield MJ, Slippers B, Barnes I, Duong AT, Wingfield BD. (2025) The Pine pathogen Diplodia sapinea: Expanding frontiers. Current Forestry Reports 11(2) 10.1007/s40725-024-00236-2
Ramatsitsi NM, Dube ZP, Ramachela K, Motloba T. (2025) Bio-control efficacy of selected indigenous nematophagous fungi against Meloidogyne enterolobii in vitro and on dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). International Microbiology 28:151-160. 10.1007/s10123-024-00571-1 PDF
Dankie VN, Steenkamp ET, De Vos L, Swalarsk-Parry BS, Dewing C, Fru F, Wilken PM, Mchunu NP, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ, van der Nest MA. (2025) Growth, pathogenicity and sexual fertility of the African tree pathogen Ceratocystis albifundus. Journal of Plant Pathology 107:125–135. 10.1007/s42161-024-01634-y PDF
Hurley BP, Lawson S, Slippers B. 2025. Biological Control of Insect Pests in Plantation Forests. Springer: Switzerland.
Mangani R, Archer E, Engelbrecht C, Bellochi G, Mukiibi A, Creux N. 2025. The Impact of Climate Change on Crop Production and Food Security: A South African Perspective. In: Climate Change, Food Security, and Land Management. Leal Filho W, Matandirotya N, Yayeh Ayal D, Luetz JM, Borsari B. (eds). Springer, Cham, Switzerland, pp 1-12.
Pham HTL, Tran TV, Duong TA, Tran LD, Tran ATT, Nguyen VTH, Nguyen SV. (2025) Classification of Nostoc-like cyanobacteria isolated from paddy soil into Aliinostoc, Aulosira, and Desmonostoc. Frontiers in Microbiology 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1581725
Goundar P, Slippers B, Hurley BP, Lawson SA. 2025. Classical biological control of bark and wood borers in Pinus plantations. In: Biological Control of Insect Pests in Plantation Forests. Hurley BP, Lawson SA, Slippers B. (eds). Springer, Cham, Switzerland, pp 321-338.
Hurley BP, Slippers B, Lawson SA. 2025. Biological control in plantation forests: trends and opportunities. In: Biological Control of Insect Pests in Plantation Forests. Hurley BP, Lawson SA, Slippers B. (eds). Springer, Cham, Switzerland, pp 3-18.
Slippers B, Fitza KNE, Garnas JR. 2025. Genetic diversity should be considered in biological control programmes in plantation forestry. In: Biological Control of Insect Pests in Plantation Forests. Hurley BP, Lawson SA, Slippers B. (eds). Springer, Cham, Switzerland, pp 71-94.
Wondafrash M, Slippers B, Hurley BP. 2025. Accidental introductions of natural enemies in plantation forests. In: Biological Control of Insect Pests in Plantation Forests. Hurley BP, Lawson SA, Slippers B. (eds). Springer, Cham, Switzerland, pp 161-190.
Ashmore JS, Slippers B, Duong TA, Dittrich-Schröder G. (2024) Understanding the genetics of sex determination in insects and its relevance to genetic pest management. Insect Molecular Biology 10.1111/imb.12982
Oostlander AG, Elfstrand M, Oliva J, Stenlid J, Well L, Grober C, Klawonn F, Brandt U, Becker Y, Slippers B, von Bargen M, Brodde L, Fleißner A. (2024) Development of a molecular genetics and cell biology toolbox for the filamentous fungus Diplodia sapinea. PLoS ONE 19:e0308794. 10.1371/journal.pone.0308794
Balocchi F, Sanfuentes E. (2024) Fungal pathogens on Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) and French broom (Genista monspessulana) from Chile. Forest Pathology 54 10.1111/efp.70004
Knoppersen R, Hammerbacher A, Bose T. (2024) Fungal Planet description sheets: 1697–1780 (Description of Sporisorium enterogonipteri). Fungal Systematics and Evolution 14:325–577. 10.3114/fuse.2024.14.19