Diseases Index
Annosum Root Rot
Heterobasidion irregulare
Anthracnose
Bacterial Leaf Scorch
Xylella fastidiosa
Laurel Wilt
Harringtonia lauricola
Littleleaf Disease
Oak Wilt
Bretziella fagacearum
Phytoplasmas (aka Yellows)
Thousand Cankers Disease
Geosmithia morbida
Ronald Billings, Texas Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Laurel wilt biology, monitoring and management

Forest Service, Southern Research Station, 2020
Dr. Albert 'Bud' Mayfield, Research Entomologist

Laurel wilt is caused by Raffaelea lauricola, a fungal pathogen transmitted by the ambrosia beetle Xyleborus glabratus. Dr. Albert 'Bud' Mayfield will be giving a general overview of the introduction, range and impact of and possible management strategies for preventing the spread of this disease.

Laurel wilt is caused by Harringtonia lauricola, a fungal pathogen transmitted by the ambrosia beetle Xyleborus glabratus.  This beetle and fungus are native to southern Asia, and the beetle was first detected in Georgia in 2002.  This disease impacts several trees in the family Lauraceae, including redbay, sassafras, pondspice, bay laurel, and avocado.  Extensive mortality to redbay has occurred in coastal areas from North Carolina to Mississippi, with detections also occurring inland in Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, Georgia, and Arkansas.  Infected trees generally die within months, often showing a full crown of dead, brown leaves.  There is no cure once a tree has this disease.  Preventing the spread of this disease by transporting firewood is of the utmost importance, as management options are limited.  Current management involves sanitation (chipping, burning) of infested material, and chemical treatments may be effective for high value trees.

 
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