A Preliminary Assessment of the Threat of Diseases and Pests toWiddringtonia cedarbergensis

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A preliminary investigation of pests and diseases of mature Widdringtonia cedarbergensis growing in natural stands and plantations in the Cedarberg was undertaken. No severe diseases or insect problems were found and only limited mortality of trees was observed. Various insects and fungal pathogens were found but no single factor was correlated with tree health. However, the health of cedars was lower in the plantations than in natural stands. Pathogens such as Phytophthora cinnamomi which have been found on W. cedarbergensis seedlings used to establish plantations, were not more prevalent in plantations than in natural stands. However, seedlings are potential means by which foreign pathogens and pests might be introduced into cedar stands.