Pests have been reported on 2 pine trees at Coburg Lake Reserve. The infestation was confirmed by Agriculture Victoria as giant pine scale (Marchalina hellenica ). The affected trees are in a small area, near the toilet block. Thanks to the Merri-bek community member who reported their sighting of the pest!

It is important to take precautions to avoid spreading the pest to other trees. The insects spread by crawling between host trees. People can also spread the pests by moving infested plant material, gardening equipment, and machinery.

Agriculture Victoria considers giant pine scale a priority pest for Victoria. Because of this status, we need to remove four pine trees. This includes the 2 infested trees and 2 that are very close by. We will complete this work as soon as possible, using hygiene practices recommended by Agriculture Victoria.

About Giant Pine Scale

Giant Pine Scale can cause trees to dry up and die from the insects feeding on the tree’s sap. If not properly managed, the pest can impact our:

• Parks
• Forests
• Softwood plantations
• Residential properties

Because of the impact that giant pine scale can have on pine trees and plantations, it is considered a priority pest for Victoria. Agriculture Victoria are currently working on release of a bio-control agent, but the pest is currently being managed in Victoria through an eradication program.

In Victoria, the pests only infest the genus Pinus and include:

• Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis)
• Monterey pine (Pinus radiata)
• Stone pine (Pinus pinea)

Overseas, giant pine scale is also found on other pines:

• Pinus brutia
• P. sylvestris
• P. kochiana
• P. laricio tauricus
• P. nigra salzmannii
• P. sosnowskyi

firs:

• Abies cephalonica
• nordmenniana
• and spruces:
• Picea engelmanni
• P. orientalis.

and spruces

• Picea engelmanni
• P. orientalis.

For more information about giant pine scale, how to spot it, and what to do if you find it at your property visit Agriculture Victoria.