Oak wilt is a lethal disease caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum. The fungus invades and disables the water-conducting system in white, red and other oak species. Different species of oaks vary in susceptibility to the disease. Red oaks typically die within 4 to 6 weeks of initial symptom development, while white oaks may survive or take 1 to 6 months to defoliate and die.
Oak wilt is most often spread via root grafts between interconnected and grafted root systems. Root graft disruption and fungicidal treatments aid in preventing the spread of oak wilt.
Sap feeding beetles (Nitidulidae) are the most common insect vector, but bark beetles (Scolytidae) have also been reported as a vector. They feed on fungal spore mats that form between the bark and the wood of the oak, and carry oak wilt spores to wounds on uninfected trees. In the northern range overland transmission takes place throughout the spring and early summer, while in the south it can occur any time of the year.
Fungal spore mat develops under the bark of the tree that attracts sap Feeding beetles.
the Nitidulidae beetle is responsible for the majority of overland transmission of oak wilt.
Because beetle vectors (carriers) are attracted to fresh wounds it is important not to prune oaks during the season that spore mats are present. In the north, prune only during the dormant season; in the south pruning is recommended only during December and January. Pruning paint is only necessary for wounds occurring during the growing season in the north, however in the south seal all wounds regardless of the season.
Root graft transmission is the most common mode of infection. Over 909a of all new oak wilt infections are transmitted in this manner. A root graft is formed when the roots of Mo trees of the same species meet and fuse together. The disease is then able to move from an infected tree into an uninfected tree.
The primary symptom of oak wilt is the wilting of leaves and defoliation. Browning begins on the margin of the leaf and moves inward, and there is a distinct line between dead tissue and living tissue. Leaves normally fall before they have completely browned. In red and pin oaks, wilting progresses from the top of the canopy downward, while in white and bur oaks the wilting may occur on branches scattered throughout the tree.
Streaking of the sapwood, beneath the bark, is a sign of the defense response of the tree, and provides further evidence of oak wilt. An additional sign of the disease is the presence of fungal spo re mats on red and pin oaks. They split the bark open and attract insects with their fruity odor.
An important aspect of oak wilt control is physical disruption of the root grafts between infected and healthy trees. Trees within the trench line, trees that cannot be trenched, and small groups of trees are good candidates for Alamo% macro-infusion.
Spore mats are produced only on members of the red oak family, and they are the fungal source for all new infection centers created by beetles. It is important to remove all recently killed (within 1 year) or dying red oaks after separating root grafts. Remove the bark of red oaks that are to be used for firewood or seal the pile with plastic for one year to kill the fungus and prevent contaminated beetles from escaping.
Oak wilt is trasnmitted through the roots of tree of the same species.
Scientific research conducted at Texas A&M, University of Minnesota, and US Forest Service has shown that macro-infusion with Alamo@ fungicide can be used as an effective tool for managing oak wilt and will protect many trees that may otherwise be at risk of becoming infected with the disease.
Red Oak Group: Treat symptom free trees within root graft distance (50 feet) to an infected member of the red oak group.
White Oak Group: Bur and white oaks may be treated preventively or therapeutically.
Alamo fungicide oak wilt infusion will last 2 growing seasons. A second treatment will need to be done at the end of the second growing season.
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