Oak Wilt

Oak wilt Common name Oak wilt Causal agent It is a fungal disease that damages the xylem and interferes with water transport. Scientific name Bretziella fagacearum Symptoms & Signs The fungus sets in the vascular tissues of the oak trees and inhibit the transport of water. This causes wilting of the trees, leading to their death. The leaves start to wither, and the crown area of the branches turns reddish brown. Some leaves may turn brown and fall off the branches early. The barks also show fungal mats containing spores. Transmission The spores travel to other healthy plants by means of the root system. The spores reach the vascular system of healthy trees and cause infection. Some sap-feeding beetles also contribute to the spread of this disease above the ground. Time of concern Early spring to late fall Common hosts Red oaks Live oaks White oaks Castanea Lithocarpus