In February, a suspicious sight of piccabeen palm dieback behind Happy Valley, was reported by Peter Shooter, a team leader with the Fraser Island Defenders Organisation (FIDO). The rainforest palms appeared to be dying and rotting along areas spanning tens of metres, showing overall symptoms of dieback. Investigations point to the fungal pathogen Phytophthora, but this is yet to be confirmed.

Dieback can occur naturally in plant communities. The cause of this symptom could be water stress, nutrient deficiency, or infection, among other factors, although humans can influence or accelerate its spread.

The Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation’s (BAC) Rangers conducted a Biosecurity Bioblitz—a type of field assessment—on the eastern side of K’gari. The piccabeen palms were inspected alongside Tracey Steinrucken, Tim Vance, and Cody Murray from CSIRO, and Geoff Pegg from the DPI. These collaborations provided multiple perspectives on the palms and their implications for the island.

From the field surveys, root samples are being cultured in laboratories at the EcoSciences Precinct in Brisbane to test for Phytophthora. We are now waiting on DNA sequencing results to confirm which species it may be. However, there are still a few more steps involved to confirm whether this pathogen is truly responsible. Plans are underway to bring Phytophthora-trained sniffer dogs onto the island next year to gather more information.

The introduction and spread of this invasive pathogen highlight the need for greater collaboration in biosecurity, encouraging all members of the community to play their part. BAC hopes to see the community-led K’gari Biosecurity Strategy launched by the end of this year.

Article contributed by Seth Henaway, Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation