In 2017, the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (euwallacea fornicatus) was detected on London Plane trees in the KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Gardens in Pietermaritzburg. Native to Southeast Asia, this beetle has a symbiotic relationship with the fungus (Fusarium Euwallaceae) which serves as a food source for the adults and their larvae.
The beetles can attack a wide range of living exotic and indigenous trees. In susceptible trees the fungus slowly kills the tree. First, the tree’s vascular system begins to fail, leaves begin to thin on the ends of the branches, eventually turning brown, leading to the branch and eventually the tree dying.
The PSHB infestation in South Africa has reached Johannesburg, Durban, Richard’s Bay, Pietermaritzburg, George, Knysna and Hartswater. Johannesburg, with its dense urban forest, has been hit particularly hard.
1. What does this beetle do?
The PSHB beetle (Euwallacea fornicatus) creates tunnels, or galleries, in the trunks and branches of host trees and lays their eggs inside.
2. What is fusarium?
The female PSHB beetles carry a fungus (Fusarium euwallaceae) from tree to tree. The fungus grows in the tunnels becoming a ‘vegetable food garden’ for larvae and adults.
3. What happens to the tree?
The fungus in the tunnels is really bad for trees as it disrupts the flow of water and nutrients to the tree, causing branch dieback and ultimately the death of the tree.
Our Solution
Utilizing frequencies is a new paradigm in pest control. The PSHB Control broadcaster stops the Fungus Fusarium euwallaceae from growing, eliminates beetles inside trees and deters other Shot Hole Borer beetles from entering the protected zone.
When two identical frequencies are cycling 180° opposite each other, complete phase cancellation occurs. We utilize this on biological level to broadcast counter frequencies (out of phase frequencies) to eliminate pest and disease.
This environmentally conscious product requires no power, no batteries and no maintenance. The frequency emits 24 hours a day and covers either a 40m or 200m radius. The product has a lifespan of 10 years or longer.
Protecting our trees has never been easier.