The Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section (GLTMS) of the Development Bureau will hold a roving exhibition on brown root rot (BRR) disease from tomorrow (September 28) to November 14, displaying samples of infected trees and exhibition panels for the general public to further understand BRR disease.
 
     The roving exhibition will show samples of infected wood debris, infected roots, the fungal fruiting body of BRR disease and contaminated soil. The exhibition panels will also introduce the signs and impact of BRR disease as well as the management strategy of the Government.
 
     The roving exhibition is arranged as follows:
 

Display period	Time	Venue
September 28 to October 22	7am to 11pm	2/F, Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building
October 23 to October 30	5am to midnight	Arcade of Kowloon Park
October 31 to November 14	Open 24 hours	Entrance lobby of Victoria Park Swimming Pool Complex

 
     BRR disease has no known and effective cure at present and can be spread through root contact, contaminated soil, ground water, surface water, and even through the air. It can lead to swift deterioration in the health of a tree, causing eventual decay and irreversible structural damage to tree roots, posing a serious threat to public safety. It also affects the urban landscape as replanting in the infected site is not suitable for a number of years.
 
     A multi-pronged approach combining preventive and management tactics is being adopted by the Government. In 2012, the Guidelines on Brown Root Rot Disease were promulgated by the GLTMS. Annual Tree Risk Assessment inspections and auditing activities ensure systematic screening of trees under government management for the presence of BRR disease. The keys towards better management of BRR disease are to build capacity positively, raise overall professional knowledge and standards in the industry, and enhance public education and awareness of the disease.

Ends/Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Issued at HKT 14:30

NNNN