Exotic pests and diseases
The following pests and diseases are not established in Western Australia. They could all hide in neglected orchards. Report any sightings to the Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS).
Codling moth and oriental fruit moth
Outbreaks of codling moth (Cydia pomonella) have been eradicated by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in recent years. Codling moth affects pome fruit (apples, pears and quinces) and shows as larvae inside the fruit and frass (droppings) on the surface. Prevention involves frequent spraying during the growing season.
Gardeners and orchardists should also be on the lookout for oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta).
Queensland fruit fly
Outbreaks of Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni), also known as Qfly, have occurred in recent years and been eradicated by DPIRD. Qfly attacks many varieties of fruit and vegetables. DPIRD operates a Qfly surveillance network of baited traps and eradicates infestations as they develop.
Brown rot of apples
Brown rot of apples (Monilinia fructigena), is currently not found in Australia. It shows as a rapidly spreading firm brown decay on ripening or mature fruit.
Diseased fruits tend to remain attached to the tree and decaying tissue causes shoot dieback. Cankers may develop on shoots and small branches. Tufts of grey mycelium (the vegetative part of the fungi) may be produced on the surface of active lesions.
Fire blight of pome fruit
Erwinia amylovora or fire blight, is a bacterial disease affecting many plants including apple, pear, loquat, quince and cotoneaster. The symptoms include:
- brown wilting of blossoms, shoots and leaves, with a scorched appearance
- discoloured sunken areas or cankers on branches, limbs and trunks
- presence of a bacterial ooze in warm, humid weather
- red-brown discolouration of the sapwood.
Control of the disease is difficult and eradication is unlikely. If you see symptoms that look like fire blight, contact PaDIS immediately.
Sending samples
The fastest way to receive identification of a pest or disease is by emailing a photograph to PADIS. The team will contact the sender if additional photographs or samples are needed.
Consult sending specimens for identification before sending samples. The following information is required: Collector’s name, location (where the specimen was found), full address, description of damage caused by the pest or disease, and date collected.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Pest and Disease Information Service
3 Baron-Hay Court
South Perth WA 6151