The risk of pest and disease incursions into Victoria's plantation estate is now at its highest ever as a result of:changing climate patterns which can move a species' "preferred range";people's increased mobility, both internationally and domestically, increasing the opportunity for the spread of damaging agents;extensive eucalypt plantations being established around the world, increasing the exposure of the genus to new potential pest species;increased establishment of plantations in Victoria, with increased species diversity and diverse ownership patterns; andincreased number of plantation owners with limited forestry knowledge and limited resources for forest management.In order to improve forest biosecurity the Department of Primary Industries Victoria has recently published "A Field Guide to Plantation Health Surveillance in Victoria". Written by eminent entomologists and plant pathologists from the University of Melbourne, and supported by an active extension campaign, it is designed to encourage and facilitate growers of smaller private eucalypt and pine plantations to take an active and informed role in ensuring the ongoing health of their stands, especially withregard to insect pests and pathogens.In a hardy, easy-to-use booklet, the Guide explains how to set up plantation health surveillance (PHS) plots, what signs and symptoms to look for and how to act on what you find.
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