Gist of the Tenth Meeting held on 6 September 2013

1. Members were briefed on the completion of first phase of planter extension along Park Lane, Tsim Sha Tsui. The commencement of the second phase of project was supported.
2. Progress of the consultancy study on "Occurrence and Distribution of Common Wood Decay Fungi on Trees of HK"
   • Members were briefed on the progress of the study. The key objectives of the study were to conduct a fungal survey in the urbanized areas of Hong Kong and to collect baseline information about the occurrence and distribution of some of the most commonly identified wood decay fungi. The information would be used to devise guidelines for use by tree management departments and relevant parties.
3. Progress of the consultancy study on "Evaluation of Trichoderma species as a biological control agent against Phellinus noxius infected trees in Hong Kong"
   • Members were briefed on the progress of the study. Members were informed that there was no effective cure against Phellinus noxius and the use of fungicides could only prevent the spread of the disease and not revitalize tree health. The objective of the study was to conduct trials using Trichoderma species as a biological control against Phellinus noxius and the findings would be used to develop a practical measure to better manage and improve the health of the infected trees. The preliminary results showed that local strains of Phellinus noxius and Trichoderma species were successfully isolated and maintained for subsequent study. At the moment, it was not advisable to apply Trichoderma on a large and mature tree infected with Phellinus noxius at an advanced stage.
4. Presentations on proposal to save OVT YTM/97
   • Members discussed three proposals received but considered that they could not comment on the proposals as the proponents had not given them sufficient information such as composition of the treatment to be applied, detailed methodology of the treatment, methods of monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of the treatment in quantifiable manner and track records on previous trials with the use of the chemical and biological treatment. Members would further consider the proposals when the required information was available.
   • Members generally appreciated the proposals but reiterated that the tree due to its advanced stage of infection and decay could not be cured, but in general would not object to experimenting new BBR treatments on the tree for a few months before its final removal provided that sufficient details would be provided by the proponents for EPTM's consideration. Besides, Members reiterated it was important to remove the infected tree timely in order to prevent the BBR disease from spreading and causing more damages to other trees in the vicinity.
5. Progress of Tree Risk Assessment and Management work (TRAM) 2013
   • Members welcomed the progress in TRAM and the development in capacity building.
6. Guideline on Tree Stump Treatment
   • The draft guideline would be revised with reference to the views expressed by Members.
7. Members were briefed of the conditions of OVT LCSD CW/94 which was confirmed with BBR infection. Members would pay a visit to ascertain the health condition of OVT LCSD CW/94 and the potential effects to other trees in its vicinity.
8. Members discussed the advanced education programme in arboriculture including that on plant pathology.