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Committee warned of invasive polyphagous shot hole borer threat to local trees
Summary
Nona Chiarielo briefed the committee on the polyphagous shot hole borer, an ambrosia beetle that vectors Fusarium fungus and attacks hundreds of host species; the pest has reached Santa Clara County and could arrive in San Mateo County, and the committee urged vigilance and links to UC identification resources.
The Conservation Committee received a science briefing on the polyphagous shot hole borer, a tiny ambrosia beetle that spreads a Fusarium fungus and has damaged trees in parts of California and worldwide. Nona Chiarielo summarized recent publications and told the committee the beetle has more than 600 known host plants and has been recorded in Southern California and in Santa Clara County; she said it is probable the beetle could appear in San Mateo County.
"It looks huge and menacing. It's actually the size of a sesame seed," Chiarielo said while showing images and describing typical symptoms such as tiny entry holes and gumming or staining around holes. Committee arborist members noted the signs can be confused with other beetles and encouraged residents to consult University of California resources and to submit specimens for testing where available. The committee agreed to include UC identification and management links in the meeting minutes and to monitor reports locally.
