The introduced sirexwood wasp (Sirex noctilo) is one of the most destructive pests of radiata pine. Female wasps drill holes into the outer sapwood of the tree with a saw-like ovipositor at the rear of their abdomen. When depositing eggs into the holes, they also introduce the spores of the symbiotic white rot fungus (Amylostereum areolatum) and a toxic mucus. The fungus and the mucus act together to kill the tree and create a suitable environment for the developing wasp larvae, which feed on the fungus and tunnel through the wood. Unhealthy trees are particularly vulnerable to sirex wasp attack and large numbers of wasps can build up in unthinned plantations.
Using this item
Natural Sciences Image Library of New Zealand
Reference:
In0134LC1t.tif
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.
Add new comment