Mauritius

Distribution and genetic diversity of five invasive pests of Eucalyptus in sub-Saharan Africa

BACKGROUND

Plantation forestry in Sub- Saharan Africa has been characterized by an introduction of several Eucalyptus species because of their socio- economic benefits. However, these Eucalyptus trees have been affected by non- native foliage feeding insect pests, which have been accidentally introduced, resulting in stunted growth and in some cases mortality. The rate of introduction of non-native eucalypt-feeding insects globally has increased nearly five-fold between the 1980s and 2010s.