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Dieback - What to do

Dieback is a disease that kills our native plants. To be more precise, it is a soil borne pathogen called Phytophthora cinnamomi. (pronounced Fy-tof-thora) It was first realised in Roleystone and surrounding areas when the Jarrah trees were seen to be dying.  

Dieback has been introduced into Australia and is now recognised as a serious threat to our native flora. Volunteers are required to take on the enormous task of treating as many trees as possible in an attempt to save the local bushland. 

We now know what causes it, how it is spread and what to do to help protect our plants. So it's time to go on the offensive, but we need your help by joining the group and participating in field days. 

Field days to fight Dieback

We have fields days approximately once a month in Spring, Summer and Autumn to treat the bushland and protect it against Phytophthora Dieback.

For field day dates:

  • Check the Roleybushcare homepage in our "events" on our website.
  • Check the Roleybushcare notice board at the Roleystone Shopping Centre.
  • Check our community magazine Roleystone Courier.
  • Join our facebook page.
  • Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. asking to be added to our newsletter list.

The field days are open to anyone who would like to help. Members of Roleybushcare will teach newcomers how to treat their own bushland.

Morning tea is provided.   

Articles

Follow the links below for more information on how to stop dieback

Threat abatement plan

The Minister for the Environment, the Hon Melissa Price MP, has made the Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The new plan, developed with input from Phytophthora experts and on-ground practitioners from around Australia, addresses the key threatening process Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi. It identifies actions to ensure the long-term survival of native species and ecological communities affected by Phytophthora dieback and guides investment and effort by government, researchers, land managers and other stakeholders. The plan focuses on the need for further research on the pathogen and its management options; prioritisation of assets in need of protection; and community engagement to prevent spread of the disease.

The Australian Government is required to implement the plan to the extent to which it applies in areas under its control and responsibility. In other affected areas, the successful implementation of the plan is reliant on the support and cooperation of all affected jurisdictions and the Australian community. Your interest in this important issue is appreciated.

The new plan and its background document are available on the Department of the Environment and Energy website at: Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi - 2018

 

Resistant Plants

Dieback can be a big problem in Roleystone gardens.

If you have dieback in your garden then the challenge is to plant seedlings of species that are resistant to dieback. If you don’t have dieback then the challenge is to ensure that you don’t introduce dieback when you plant seedlings. Now there is help available!

Murdoch University researchers have published a pamphlet. .pdf2009 Dieback Resistant Plants .

It lists some Australian garden species (including those from interstate) that there is strong evidence to show that they are resistant to the pathogen that causes dieback. This will be a bonus to gardeners who have had to take potluck in the past. These researchers have also published a list of Western Australian natives resistant to dieback: https://www.cpsm-phytophthora.org/downloads/natives_resistant.pdf and those susceptible to dieback: https://www.cpsm-phytophthora.org/downloads/natives_susceptible.pdf

Trees

        
Acacia baileyana Cootamundra Wattle Small tree with silver-grey fern-like foliage & golden yellow globular flower heads NSW Field Observation
Acacia dealbata Silver Wattle Medium tree with grey fern-like foliage & bright yellow flowers in spring NSW, VIC, TAS Field Observation
Acacia decurrens Black Wattle Medium tree with fern-like foliage & profuse yellow flowers in early spring NSW Field Observation
Acacia fimbriata Fringed Wattle Small tree with small leaves and masses of yellow flowers in spring. QLD, NSW Field Observation
Acacia floribunda Gossamer Wattle Tall shrub or small tree, slightly weeping with pale yellow rod flowers in spring QLD, NSW, VIC Field Observation
Acacia mearnsii Green Wattle Medium tree with green fern-like foliage and creamy yellow flowers usually in early spring NSW, VIC, TAS Field Observation
Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle Small tree with deep green foliage & deep golden flowers in spring  NSW, VIC, SA Field Observation
Acacia retinoides Wirilda/ Swamp Wattle Small tree with green-grey foliage, producing bright yellow flowers most of the year SA, VIC, TAS Field Observation
Acmena smithii Lilly - Pilly Medium tree with glossy leaves, white flowers & ornamental white, violet or deep violet berries NSW, NT, QLD, VIC Field Observation
Agonis flexuosa Willow Myrtle Small-medium tree of semi weeping habit. Leaves peppermint scented. Small white flowers in spring. WA Field Observation
Castenospermum australe Moreton Bay Chestnut Medium to tall tree with dark glossy foliage, bright orange & yellow flowers usually in late spring QLD, NSW Field Observation
Casuarina cunninghamii River Sheoak Medium tree, dense shady crown, suitable for windbreak or ornamental purposes QLD, NSW, NT Field Observation
Casuarina obesa Swamp Sheoak Dense robust salt resistant tree that tolerates swamp conditions WA Field Observation
Eucalyptus accedens Powderbark Wandoo Medium to tall tree with smooth light bark, blue-grey foliage & white flowers WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Eucalyptus botryoides Bangalay Medium to tall tree, spreading branches, rough fibrous bark, suited to well drained soils  VIC, NSW  
Corymbia calophylla Marri Medium- tall tree with dense crown, large white to pink flowers in summer WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Gum Large shady tree with mid-green foliage suitable for riverbanks & creeks QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, WA, NT Glasshouse Inoculation
Eucalyptus cineria Argyle Apple Small-medium tree with blue-grey foliage & rough, fibrous bark NSW VIC Glasshouse Inoculation
Eucalyptus citriodora Lemon Scented Gum Tall, slender tree with white bark, lemon scented foliage and cream -white flowers QLD Glasshouse Inoculation
Eucalyptus cladocalyx Dwarf River Gum Tall, shady tree with smooth bark producing white flowers in summer SA Glasshouse Inoculation
Eucalyptus conferruminata Bald Island Marlock Small bushy tree with smooth bark & large yellow flowers WA Field Observation
Eucalyptus forrestiana Fushia Gum Small tree with thick, glossy green leaves, yellow flowers & bright red seed pods WA Field Observation
Eucalyptus globulus Tasmanian Blue Gum Medium tree with smooth mottled bark, long narrow foliage & white flowers. Suited for shade purposes. TAS Glasshouse Inoculation
Eucalyptus gomphocephala Tuart Tall erect smooth barked tree with long bluish leaves WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Eucalyptus incrassata Ridge-Fruited Mallee Medium to tall tree with grey brown fibrous bark & cream flowers WA Field Observation
Eucalyptus kruseana Bookleaf Mallee Dwarf multi-stemmed gum with bushy head of leaves & cream flowers in autumn WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Eucalyptus laeliae Darling Range Ghostgum Medium to tall shrub, with small round blue-green foliage. Yellow flowers in spike-like arrangement produced in autumn WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Eucalyptus lansdowniana Port Lincoln Gum Medium shade tree with stark white powder bark, trunk & branches SA Field Observation
Eucalyptus lehmannii Bushy Yate Small bushy tree with large greenish-yellow flowers. Good as windbreak or as ornamental WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Eucalyptus leucoxylon White Ironbark Small tree or mallee with dark green leaves & white to deep purplish pink flowers in summer NSW, VIC, SA Glasshouse Inoculation
Eucalyptus maculata Spotted Gum Medium to tall tree with attractive trunk & white -red flowers produced over a long period QLD, NSW, VIC Glasshouse Inoculation
Eucalyptus megacarpa  Bullich Tall Tree with dappled light coloured bark and white flowers WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Eucalyptus nicholii Narrow-leafed Peppermint Medium tree with smooth white bark & dense crown. Tolerant to moist swampy soils QLD, NSW. Field Observation
Eucalyptus occidentalis Swamp Yate A graceful medium to tall tree with willow-like foliage & small white flowers. Excellent for shade or ornamental purposes WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany Medium tree, with grey-green foliage & white flowers in spring QLD, NSW Glasshouse Inoculation
Eucalyptus wandoo Wandoo Tall shrub or small tree with mealy-white stems & leaves, white flowers & silvery fruits WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Hymenosporum flavum Native Frangipani Medium tree with dark glossy leaves & cream-yellow fragrant flowers in spring NSW, QLD Field Observation
Melaleuca cuticularis Saltwater Paperback Attractive small tree (4-6m), producing small white clusters of flowers on end of branchlets October- January WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Melaleuca lanceolata Rottnest Teatree Tall shrub or small tree with deep green or grey-green leaves with cylindrical spikes of white flowers during summer WA Field Observation
Melaleuca leucadendron Cadjeput Tall tree with paperbark trunk, grey-green leaves & greenish-yellow bottlebrush like flowers in the summer WA Field Observation
Melaleuca pressiana Moonash Tall shrub with white flowers preferring heavy soils WA Field Observation
Myoporum insulare Blueberry Tree Dense low spreading shrub/tree with small white flowers (July-February). Good windbreak, extremely hardy NSW, VIC, SA, WA, TAS Field Observation
Nuytsia floribunda Christmas tree Small to medium sized tree with masses of small orange flowers in summer WA Field Observation

Shrubs

        
Acacia acinacea Gold-Dust Wattle Small shrub with bright golden flowers in spring NSW, SA, VIC Field Observation
Acacia cyclops Coastal Wattle Tall & spreading shrub suited to coastal areas with pale yellow flowers in summer WA, SA Glasshouse Inoculation
Acacia drummondii Drummond’s Wattle Small to medium shrub with fern-like leaves, yellow rod flowers in spring WA Field Observation
Acacia howitti Sticky Wattle Tall shrub with dark green sticky foliage & light yellow flowers in spring VIC Field Observation
Acacia longifolia Sallow Wattle Rapidly growing shrub to 5 m. Will tolerate coastal conditions. Pale yellow flowers in long finger-like spikes occur September-November NSW, VIC, TAS, SA Field Observation
Acacia pulchella Prickly Moses Small shrub with fern-like leaves & golden yellow flowers in spring WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Acacia terminalis Sunshine Wattle Medium-tall shrub or tree, with fern-like foliage producing bright yellow flowers in early summer NSW, ACT, VIC TAS Field Observation
Acacia urophylla   Evergreen medium to tall shrub, distinctive foliage & cream or yellow flowers winter-spring WA Field Observation
Allocasuarina humilis Dwarf Sheoak Erect or spreading shrub; 0.2-2 m tall producing reed flowers May- November WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Astartea fascicularis   Erect shrub of small to medium size with white tea-tree like flowers over a long period WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Astartea heteranthera   Small green shrub with small heath-like leaves & pale pink flowers in winter WA Field Observation
Baeckea camphorosmae Camphor Myrtle Prostrate to scraggily or slender erect shrub; 0.2-1 m high, producing pink white flowers, May-December WA Field Observation
Baeckea linifolia Swamp Baeckea Medium shrub with narrow leaves & starry white flowers in summer NSW, QLD, VIC Field Observation
Baeckea virgata Twiggy Heath Myrtle Tall shrub with small leaves & small white flowers spring or summer VIC, NSW, QLD, NT Field Observation
Banksia robur Swamp Banksia Medium shrub with bronze green flowers in winter-spring QLD, NSW, VIC Glasshouse Inoculation
Banksia spinulosa Hill Banksia Tall shrub with narrow leaves & cones of yellow to brown flowers QLD, NSW Glasshouse Inoculation
Boronia crenulata Aniseed Boronia Small shrub with small pink to red flowers, in spring WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Bossiaea webii Water Bush Erect shrub; 0.5-2 M high producing yellow & red flowers July-November  WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Callistemon citrinus Crimson Bottlebrush Medium to tall shrub with dark green foliage & red bottlebrush flowers NSW, VIC Field Observation
Calothamnus quadrifidus One-sided Bottlebrush Medium shrub with attractive grey-green leaves & one-sided red bottlebrush flowers in spring WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Calothamnus sanguineus Silky-leaved blood flower Small shrub with crowded leaves & deep red flowers WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Darwinia citriodora Lemon Scented Myrtle Small compact shrub with attractive lemon scented leaves & unusual red flowers WA Field Observation
Darwinia leiostyla   Beautiful small evergreen shrub with pendant deep pink to scarlet bell shaped flowers in spring WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Dodonaea viscosa Hop-Bush Medium to tall shrub with sticky green leaves & large hop-like fruits turning deep red All states Glasshouse Inoculation
Philotheca spicata (previously known as Eriostemon spicatus) Salt & Pepper Small shrub with small leaves & spikes of mauve-pink flowers, in spring WA Field Observation
Eucalyptus preissiana Bell-Fruited Mallee Medium to tall straggly shrub with thick dull green leaves producing large yellow flowers in spring WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Gompholobium tomentosum Yellow Pea Erect shrub; 0.3-1 m high with yellow flowers July-January WA Field Observation
Grevillea asplenfolia Fern-like Grevillea Medium shrub with rich burgundy toothbrush flowers most of the year NSW Field Observation
Grevillea banksii Bank’s Grevillea Medium-tall shrub, with grey-green fern-like leaves & deep red flowers QLD Field Observation
Grevillea Clearview David Red flowers carried on a dense bush.    
Grevillea glabella   Low shrub with narrow green pointed leaves & pink flowers NSW, VIC. Field Observation
Grevillea hookeriana Grevillea Medium to tall shrub with narrow divided leaves & red toothbrush flowers from July to April WA Field Observation
Grevillea Ivanhoe   Medium to tall shrub with pink-red toothbrush flowers in spring. - Field Observation
Grevillea lanigera Woolly Grevillea Medium shrub with narrow pointed leaves & lime green flowers NSW Field Observation
Grevillea longifolia   Medium shrub with attractive foliage and lovely red toothbrush flowers in spring NSW Field Observation
Grevillea synapheae Catkin Grevillea Small shrub with catkins of densely packed small cream flowers WA Field Observation
Hakea lissocarpha Honey Bush Erect to sprawling shrub; 0.4-1.5 m high, flowering July-October  WA. Field Observation
Hakea petiolaris Sea Urchin Hakea Tall shrub with blue-green attractive leaves & reddish pincushion flowers in late winter  WA Field Observation
Hakea salicifolia   Tall shrub or small tree with light green leaves & small white flowers QLD, NSW Field Observation
Hakea scoparia   Erect evergreen shrub, 3-4 m tall with red flowers in spring WA Field Observation
Hemiandra pungens Snake Bush Bush with red stems and masses of blue flowers from September to May WA Field Observation
Lechenaultia biloba Blue Lechenaultia Small low growing plant with fine foliage, blooms late winter to late spring with brilliant blue flowers WA Field Observation
Melaleuca armillaris Bracelet Honey Myrtle Tall spreading shrub or small tree with narrow dark green leaves & white small bottlebrush flowers QLD, NSW, VIC. Field Observation
Melaleuca decussata Cross Leafed Honey Myrtle Medium- tall shrub with small narrow leaves & small mauve-pink bottlebrush flowers in spring SA, VIC Field Observation
Melaleuca diosmifolia Scarlet Honey Myrtle Medium shrub with very handsome foliage & large green bottlebrush flowers in summer WA Field Observation
Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark Tall shrub or small tree with white paperbark trunk & white or yellow flowers NSW, VIC, TAS, QLD Field Observation
Melaleuca nesophila Mindiyed Tall shrub to small tree with papery bark, oval grey-green leaves & mauve-pink flowers in spring, WA Field Observation
Melaleuca pentagona   Medium to tall shrub with needle-like leaves & heads of bright pink flowers in spring WA Field Observation
Melaleuca pulchella Claw Flower A small shrub with small leaves & pink claw flowers in spring-summer WA Field Observation
Melaleuca spathulata   Small, compact shrub with small leaves & deep pink flowers in spring - Field Observation
Melaleuca violacea   Small shrub with small attractive leaves & violet flowers in spring WA. Field Observation
Melaleuca wilsonii Violet Honey Myrtle A low spreading shrub with narrow leaves & reddish-pink flowers in clusters along the stems VIC, SA Field Observation
Mirbelia dilatata Holly-leaved Mirbelia Medium sized shrub with prickly foliage & blue-purple flowers in spring WA Field Observation
Phyllanthus calycinus False Boronia Erect shrub; 0.2-1.2M with creamy white flowers June-January WA, SA Field Observation

Grasses, groundcovers and climbers

        
Angiozanthos flavidus Tall Kangaroo Paw Evergreen with reed like foliage, tall spikes of green or red flowers in summer WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Angiozanthos manglesii Mangle’s Kangaroo Paw Green reed-like foliage, tall spikes of red & green flowers in spring WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Angiozanthos rufus Red Kangaroo Paw Evergreen with grass-like leaves & spikes of red flowers in summer WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Conostylis aculeata Prickly Conostylis Low growing perennial with dense heads of small yellow flowers in spring-summer WA Field Observation
Gahnia radula Saw Sedge Perennial sedge VIC, TAS Field Observation
Gahnia sieberana Red Fruit Saw-hedge Native grass with black plumes with red fruit QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS, SA, WA Field Observation
Grevillea banksii Prostrate Grevillea Hardy small shrub with grey-green fern-like leaves producing deep red flowers over a long period  QLD  
Hardenbergia comptoniana Native Wisteria Native climber, purplish-blue pea-shaped flowers in spring WA Field Observation
Hardenbergia violacea Happy wanderer Native climber with lilac pea-shaped flowers in spring QLD Field Observation
Kennedia coccinea Coral Vine Native climber with red-pea shaped flowers in spring WA Field Observation
Kennedia prostrata Scarlet Runner Native evergreen ground creeper with scarlet pea-shaped flowers in spring WA Field Observation
Macropidia fuliginosa Black Kangaroo Paw Small kangaroo paw with spikes of black flowers in spring WA Glasshouse Inoculation
Orthrosanthus laxus Morning Iris Sky blue flowers lasting over a long period through spring WA Field Observation
Poa australis Snow Grass Compact native with attractive grey-green grass like foliage  NSW, VIC, TAS, WA Field Observation
Poa ensifornis Purple-Sheath Tussock Grass Native grass with thin strap-like leaves flowering January NSW, VIC, ACT Field Observation
Poa poiformis Coastal Poa Native grass enjoys sandy coastal environments TAS, NSW, WA, VIC, SA. Field Observation

Table Courtesy of Dr Michael McCall, NGIWA, Horticulture Australia, Murdoch University, Domas Nursery, Lullfitz Nursery, Zanthorrea Nursery

 

Treatment Instructions

Don't get caught out!

It is up to you to protect your trees and natives from Dieback. A 500 year old Jarrah can die in a week if it gets the disease. You need to make the treatment before your natives get sick - so don't get caught out. Treatment only takes roughly 10 minutes per tree - in a couple of hours you can do your whole half an acre.

Depending on the plants you need to protect, you need to use one of two methods to apply the Dieback treatment - either the Spray treatment or Injection treatment. After you read the instuctions and treat your first tree, you will see that it is actually quite easy. Syringes and the chemicals are available for hire at the Roleystone Hardware.

We have used Phos-Inject 200 in our instructions because you can get it at the Roleystone Hardware. It is a 200g/L Phosphorous acid solution, or 20% concentration. If you can't get Phos-Inject 200, ask us for help at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  You can do more damage if you inject the wrong concentration of chemical into your tree.

Go to Products and Services for suppliers of the chemical and syringes.

But if this is all too hard for you, join us on one of our field days and we'll show you what to do. We'll even lend you the gear for free if you help that morning.

Alternatively you can get a contractor to do it for you. Go to Products and Services for details of Contractors.

 Injection Treatment

Click here to view a video demonstration of the application and preparation of the treatment.

dieback inject4

Trees need to be injected into their trunks. The mix is made up and loaded into syringes. The syringes are drilled into the tree and left to absorb into the tree.

Pick a sunny day to do this as the trees will absorb the solution quickly when their leaves are in the sun.

To make 400mL of injection solution mix:

  • 100mL of Phos-Inject 200
  • 300ml of water

To apply:

  1. Load up all your syringes with the solution. Immerse the tip of the syringe in the solution and pull the plunger back. Twist the plunger to leave syringe in the cocked position.
  2. Clean off the loose dry bark with a broad chizel - but don't go deep or you will scar the tree. Drill a 5mm hole into the tree, preferably with a wood drill. Don't drill any deeper than 3-4 cm. Look for live, juicy bark. Avoid dead wood as it will not draw in the solution.
  3. Push the syringe into the hole to get a good seal. Then release the plunger so that the solution releases in the tree. You should not see any fluid escaping - it all needs to go into the tree. It can take up to 30min for the tree to take in the solution - assuming it is a sunny day and the tree is healthy. (leave in the tree and go back occassionally to check that the fluid has emptied into the tree.)
  4. Repeat around the tree. Drill a hole every 20 cm around the tree trunk (approximately one hand width). Multi-stemmed trees need injection into each trunk.

Injection needs to be applied every 3 - 5 years.

For more comprehensive instructions using the higher concentration of phosphite,
click on the following file: pdfInjection treatment instructions

Spray Treatment

dieback spray1

Grasstrees and small plants need spray treatment. The mix is made up and sprayed over the plants.

To make 10 litres of spraying solution mix:

  • 250ml of Phos-Inject 200
  • 25mL of Synertrol Oil
  • 10 litres of Water

To apply:

  1. Mix into a spray backpack. You will need to shake the mixuture to keep the oil from separating.
  2. Spray over the plants so that the leaves are wet and dripping.
  3. Spraying should only occur when rain free days are forecast for at least two days ahead.
  4. Spray treatment needs to be applied every 2-3 years.

For more comprehensive instructions using the higher concentration of phosphite,
click on the following file: pdfSpraying treatment instructions

About Dieback

What is Phytophthora Dieback?

Phytophthora (pronounced Fyt-of-thora) dieback is a plant disease caused by a microscopic organisms present in the soil. The scientific name of the pathogen is Phytophthora cinnamomi, but it is commonly known as Pc. It attacks the roots of plants causing them to rot.

dieback_pcspores.gifPc spores infesting the plant root systems

Where did Pc come from?

Scientists believe that Pc was introduced by the early settlers who brought live plants (and soil) to Australia. The first unexplained death of Jarrah trees was recorded in the early 1920s around Karragullen, 45 km south east of Perth. Later, deaths were observed in many other parts of the forest. However, it was not until 1965 that a research scientist based at Kelmscott identified that Pc was the cause of the deaths.

What plants are killed?

Although the disease was initially called jarrah dieback, it is known to kill hundreds of native plant species. It kills banksias, persoonias (Snotty Gobbles), she-oaks, grass trees, zamias, hibbertias (native Buttercups) and many, many more. Some plants are resistant, including Marri (Red Gum), Yarri (local Blackbutt), Acacias (Wattles), Grasses and Sedges.

dieback_grasstreesGrasstree and Zamia

 How is Pc spread?

Mostly by human activity. Pc spores are microscopic (less than one hundredth of a millimetre in diameter) so they can be spread in soil and water - easily and invisibly. The natural movement of soil rarely occurs. Usually humans are the key transporters. The amount of soil moved can be large (e.g. a trailer load of gravel from an old pit) or small (e.g. mud on your tyres/shoes which washes into your garden).

Sometimes infected plants are bought from nurseries. Query staff about where the plants come from, whether the nursery and its suppliers are aware of Phytophthora dieback and/or have had problems with it in the past. Ask if the nursery is using Phytophthora dieback control procedures and has been accredited by the Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme, Australia (NIASA). Check NIASA's webpage for a list of accredited nurseries. Be sure to ask before you buy your plants.

 dieback_pread2dieback_spread3dieback_spread1dieback_spread4

 

Fighting Phytophthora Dieback

We now know what causes it, how it is spread and what to do to help protect our plants. So it's time to go on the offensive!  Roleybushcare (alias the Roleystone Dieback Action Group) has started to combat the disease in local bush reserves and many local residents are acting to protect their own properties.

Industry, Government and the Community are responsible for preventing the spread of Pc from infected to non-infected areas of bushland. The aim of quarantine and hygiene measures is to eliminate the transfer of soils between sites by human activity. This can occur through low impact forest recreation including bushwalking and picnicking or more serious and unauthorised interaction such as mountain bike, motorcycle and 4WD use. The latter can spread Pc over a wide area in very short time.

Plan activities for the dry summer months wherever possible and avoid wet areas in the winter months. Observe all signs notifying prohibited access and road closures.

Recognising symptoms of Pc in the jarrah forest

Don't just look at the Jarrah trees! Jarrahs can look healthy but the site could be heavily infected with Pc.

Alternatively, the Jarrahs could look sick and dying but they may be uninfected with Pc. There are many other reasons for Jarrahs looking sick.

Instead, look at the Banksia and shrub layer for symptoms of disease. Banksias are usually the first to die, and they die quickly and completely, not one branch at a time. So if your Banksias are dying in this manner then you probably have dieback in your property.

If you don't have Banksias then look for other species of plants which are used to indicate the presence of dieback disease. Dead Grass Trees, Snottygobbles and Zamias are indicative of the disease.

However, Phytophthora experts tend to use other plant species but training is required to identify these species. One of these species is the slender grass tree (Xanthorrhoea gracilis - the small one which sprouts from ground level and has the thin flower spikes with the flowers at the end). Its death is usually a reliable indicator of dieback. This species is common in the jarrah forest.

dieback_slendergrasstree.gifSlender grass tree Xanthorrhoe  a gracilis

How dieback attacksHow dieback attacks

 If you have doubts or want to know what the plants look like, attend a Roleybushcare Group field day.

dieback sick1dieback sick2dieback sick3dieback sick4

 

 

Preventing the spread of Pc

  • Don't bring any soil to your block unless you know it is "dieback-free". Pc is microscopic and lives in soil so the potential to spread Pc in soil is high. Always ask the supplier of the soil (or gravel, fill etc.) if it is "dieback-free". This is equally as true for truckloads of gravel as it is for a single potted plant. Pc present in the soil in one pot has the potential to devastate your entire block.

  • Don't let any mud from your vehicle get into your bush. This is especially true if you have been driving on forest tracks. If you decide to wash the mud off your car then beware! The muddy water could carry Pc and provide it with the wet conditions that enable it to flourish. When the soil is very wet Pc produces literally millions of spores; each spore (less than one hundredth of a millimetre in diameter) has the potential to kill mature jarrah trees.

  • Don't soak your bush. Pc is favoured by wet soil. Jarrah and many other jarrah forest species become stressed under these wet conditions. Pc can be present in soil but have minimal effect on plants - these sites are usually well drained. Do prevent water draining into your block. Pc loves water and the microscopic spores spread whenever water runs off an infected site.

  • Do schedule earthworks in the driest part of the year. This will minimise the risk of introducing infected mud on the tyres and body of the vehicles.

  • Do treat your banksias with phosphite (potassium phosphite This chemical is known to protect plants from Pc. Banksias are the first to die and their roots are believed to provide Pc with a food base and protection from desiccation in summer. By injecting the Banksias you will increase their resistance to Pc and prevent Pc getting a "hold" in your block.

  • Do treat your other susceptible plants with phosphite.

  • Do abide by the Dos and Don'ts prescribed in this section. You may have Pc on your property but you should try to prevent introducing more

 The use of Phosphite

Potassium Phosphite is a cheap, environmentally friendly chemical used to fight Pc.  Phosphite* has been used for many years as a standard treatment to treat avocados for a disease caused by Pc. Research by CALM scientists has shown that it also increases the resistance of Banksias, Jarrahs and other species to attack by Pc. Five years after injection the trees still had an increased resistance to Pc.

 Phosphite has many advantages over other fungicides:

  • It has been shown to be effective for the treatment of native plants
  • It has a very low toxicity to humans (similar to table salt)
  • There is a very low pollution risk associated with its use because it is usually only injected into the plant and sprayed at a low concentration.
  • It binds to Jarrah forest soils so it won't reach the water table
  • It eventually forms phosphate in the soil. This is an essential plant nutrient
  • There is a very low risk of Pc becoming resistant to phosphite
  • It is cheap! Less than 50c to treat a medium sized Jarrah tree
  • It is simple to use - it can be injected or sprayed.   

dieback_inject1.jpgDrilling the hole in the treeInserting the syringeInserting the syringe

To find out how to treat your plants with phosphite we recommend that you attend one of the regular field days in Roleystone with Roleybushcare. You will receive instruction and get experience using the equipment. It will also give you the opportunity to ask questions about Phytophthora dieback and its treatment.

Equipment to spray and inject your plants is available for hire from local conservation groups. Instruction sheets are provided with the kits or you could attend a field day.

Contact Roleybushcare (Roleystone Dieback Action Group) for dates and further information. 

Phytophthora literally means plant killer!  

About Us

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2022 Roleybushcare group2022 Roleybushcare group after Colquhoun Reserve renaming

Who Are We?

Roleybushcare is an environmental community group that is focused on maintaining and protecting the bushland around the Roleystone and Karragullen areas.

We are a non-profit, volunteer organisation. The group receives funding from the City of Armadale, sponsorships and government grants to pay for the cost of materials and to run the group.

We have regular revegetation field days during winter and dieback treatment field days during spring, summer and autumn.These days are made possible by the continuous participation of the community, so if you have the time, please feel free to join in.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land upon which our members now meet and work; the Whadjuk Noongar people. For many thousands of years, they, through sustainable stewardship, cared for and maintained the country that we now strive to protect.

Mission Statement

The objectives of the Group are:-

• To treat the bushland designated Roleystone reserves to prevent the spread of dieback and minimise the impact of the disease on the reserves.
• To educate the Roleystone community about the causes of dieback, nature of its spread and methods to treat susceptible or infected plants.
• To encourage the Roleystone community to reduce the risk of spreading or increasing the impact of dieback on reserves and on their own properties.
• To foster dieback awareness and knowledge of methods to combat dieback in other local communities and conservation groups.
• To work with the community to improve the conservation and social values of Roleystone bushland reserves.
• To continuously update the Roleybushcare Flora Database on the Roleybushcare website.
• To continue rehabilitating degraded areas within Warwick Savage Park.

Constitution

pdfConstitution_Roleybushcare_Inc_2023_august.pdf

Policy Documents

pdfAnti-discrimination Policy
pdfBullying Policy
pdfSexual Harassment Policy

History

In 1990 Dr Ian Colquhoun alerted the Roleystone community about the local jarrah trees dying from jarrah dieback. He organised talks and demonstrations and in 1994 founded the Roleystone Dieback Action group (aka the Dieback Busters).  Ian chaired the Group for 21 years. An independent website, www.roleybushcare.com.au, was originally created by Chris Horgan and Paul Mutton in March 2006. The website's original objective was to provide a forum for environmental groups and to provide a source of local bushland information for the area. Once realising that our objectives were akin, in 2007 the resources for the website and the Dieback Busters merged. The group was renamed Roleybushcare and the website is now managed by the group.

Dr_Ian_Colquhoun_2014.jpgDr Ian Colquhoun 

"It is often the case that prophets are not effectively valued in their hometowns. So I wonder if Roleystone residents realise the importance of Roleybushcare and some of the members of this group, to the International understanding of Dieback and best practice in its treatment and management?" [Quote source: Roleystone Courier]

On July 16 2009, 220 attendees went to the Western Australian Dieback Conference. A contingent from Roleystone was amongst the crowd. The Roleystone group has had an immeasurable impact on dieback management. A significant contribution has come from Dr Ian Colquhoun who addressed the conference focussing on a worldwide perspective of dieback, including the effect of a related Dieback water mould in Chile that has affected 60000 hectares of forest and created devastation on the Kauri forests in New Zealand. It is now recognised that there are over 140 species of dieback (up from only 70 ten years ago).

In Ian's words: 'Roleybushcare is one of the most active and successful dieback action groups in the world.'

So how did Roleystone get to lead the world in this area? Once again it is largely down to Ian Colquhoun who first noticed that the Jarrah trees were dying at the Roleystone District High School site, over 17 years ago. (At this stage it was widely understood to be Jarrah Dieback and thought to be largely exclusive to Jarrah trees).

Ian knew that CALM had already developed a technique to treat trees to improve their chances of survival but there was no way to get this distributed or to get the expertise out there. So Ian and some like-minded friends founded the Roleystone Dieback Action Group and they 'started injecting trees and educating the public about how to limit the spread of dieback!' The rest, as they say is history.

This model was very successful and became the template for other groups across the state. Later the group diversified to include other areas of bush management and thus Roleybushcare was born.

  Our Committee

 

2021 committee left to right...…Ian Hafekost as Secretary, Lee Hassan as Vice-Chair, Chris Ranger as Treasurer and Tim Lardner as Chair

Volunteering with Roleybushcare.

brochure cover rbcRoleybushcare brochure cover


We usually hold at least one field day per month in our local Reserves and they last about three hours.

A lovely morning tea is donated by our morning tea volunteers.

We encourage members of the community and friends to come along and learn how to protect their own bushland properties from Dieback Disease or help plant new seedlings into our bushland.

Students needing to fulfil their "community services" requirements for their High School, Scouts or Guides merit badges or the Duke of Edinburough Award are encouraged to join us. (Contact us if there are quite a few students as we need to organise this ).

We have a meeting once each month to plan our next field day.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or just turn up at a field day.

Newcomers are always welcome.

Treating the bush for dieback...

Injecting in Attunga Reserve

Revegetating our local reserves...

revegetation 1 

Propagation workshops

propagation

Morning tea....

about us morningtea