Current Situation:

• The National Management Group (NMG) – in which Avocados Australia is a member – met on 18 June 2025 and determined it was no longer technically feasible to eradicate PSHB from Western Australia (WA).
• The PSHB national Transition to Management (T2M) plan is now being developed to transition from the eradication response to a management phase from 1 July 2025.
• The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) will lead the transition to management in WA to minimise the impact of shot-hole borer on Perth’s tree canopy and help protect the State’s horticultural industries. The aim is to keep this pest contained for as long as possible.
• We welcome DPIRD’s commitment to work over the next 18 months with industry, community and local government partners to build capacity to manage the pest.
• We also welcome DPIRD’s commitment to build upon the WA Agriculture Research Collaboration research projects to explore improved surveillance and treatment options to support the long-term management of the pest.

Key Messages for Avocado Growers:

Stay vigilant – Inspect orchards regularly – Report anything suspicious

• Early Detection is Crucial: Regular orchard inspections are vital.
• Reporting is Essential: If you suspect any occurrence of PSHB, report it immediately through the MyPestGuide® Reporter app or contact the DPIRD Pest and Disease Information Service on 9368 3080, email padis@dpird.wa.gov.au. Look for signs such as small, round holes (~1mm in diameter), frass or sawdust, dieback and dark galleries.
• Movement of Fruit is Unaffected: PSHB infestation does not restrict the movement of avocado fruit. The beetle only infests the wood, not the fruit.
• Mitigation Through Best Practices: Global evidence suggests that current canopy management and hygiene practices are effective in mitigating the impacts of PSHB.
• Avocados Australia is committed to ensuring growers are well-informed and equipped to protect their orchards. We will continue to keep growers informed.

Above, the signs and symptoms to look for.

Avocados Australia welcomes enhanced support for Growers:

• DPIRD and Avocados Australia are committed to providing growers with the tools and knowledge necessary to manage PSHB.
• Avocados Australia invited DPIRD to provide a detailed PSHB presentation to WA avocado growers at the WA Grower Regional Forum on 18 June. They provided the growers with key information and resources on how to monitor, report and manage this pest in the event it is detected in commercial avocado orchards.

Avocados Australia will continue to work with DPIRD

• Controlling PSHB requires a collaborative effort. Avocados Australia intends to continue to work with DPIRD on helping to support the industry and help prevent the spread and control this pest. We will send updates on any new developments and advice as it becomes available during the transition & beyond.

Questions & Feedback

Growers with questions about PSHB can contact DPIRD by emailing avocados@dpird.wa.gov.au. If you would like to provide feedback email Avocados Australia at co@avocado.org.au.

This article appears as part of the 20 June 2025 issue of Guacamole, our eNewsletter.

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