UC ANR Lunchtime Talk Webinar – Palms and Eucalyptus Under Thread in the Golden State

https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Action-Week

Palms and Eucalyptus Under Threat in the Golden State

Presented by Dr. Eric Middleton 

Although Eucalyptus and most palms are not native to California, both tree types have been prominent features of the state’s landscape for more than a century. Recently, invasive pests have followed these exotic trees to California, where they are threatening the trees’ appearance and health. Two pest species that currently are generating widespread concern are the South American Palm Weevil, which has decimated palms in San Diego County and is slowly moving north toward the iconic palms of Orange and Los Angeles counties, and the seemingly ubiquitous Dotted Paropsine Leaf Beetle, which may not be killing trees but is nonetheless a very messy nuisance wherever Eucalyptus trees are close to homes and businesses.