Since 1968, three species of conifer aphids have been introduced into eastern and southern Africa. These are the pine woolly aphid, Pineus pini, the pine needle aphid, Eulachnus rileyi, and the cypress aphid, Cinara cupressi. These aphids have had wide ranging impact on the conifer forest resources of this region.
The most damaging of the three aphids is the cypress aphid, which first appeared in Malawi in 1986 and is now known to be present in eight countries in the region. Cypress aphid is causing severe damage to plantations of Cupressus lusitanica and threatens native forests of Juniperus procera and Widdringtonia nodiflora.
These aphids represent a major threat to the future viability of conifers as a forest resource in eastern and southern Africa. They do not recognize political boundaries and are free to move about wherever suitable host plants occur.
There a number of pest management tactics which have the potential to reduce populations of these insects to tolerable levels. These include genetic, silvicultural, chemical, biological and regulatory measures. However, a great deal must be learned about these insects in their new habitat before these measures can be applied effectively.
To date, scientists and practitioners in the countries affected by these insects have been working independently to develop effective and environmentally friendly pest management measures. Since knowledge obtained on the biology, ecology and control of these insects in one country can have direct application to its neighbours; there are obvious benefits to be derived from increased communication and collaboration between specialists working on these pests throughout the region.
This workshop provided an opportunity for researchers and practitioners from eastern and southern Africa to come together and share their observations, experiences, successes and failures. The Kenya Forest Research Institute organized the workshop in technical collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Institute of Biological Control (IIBC). Funding was made available through contributions from USDA Forest Service and the International Development and Research Council of Canada.
A total of 47 scientists representing Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe were in attendance. Representatives from Canada, the UK, the USA and officials from FAO also participated in what was the first regional workshop on forest pests to have been held in Africa.
William M. Ciesla
Forest Protection Officer
Forest Resources Division
FAO
| Jeff Odera Director, Kenya Forestry Research Institute |
Matthew J.W. Cock |
A sincere thanks is extended to the entire staff of the Kenya Forestry Research Institute whose dedication and hospitality contributed immeasurably to the congenial atmosphere which prevailed throughout this workshop.
Special appreciation is extended to Patricia M. Ciesla, who volunteered her time to retype many of the manuscripts into a standard format and assisted with the editing and layout of these proceedings.
