DiseaseHigh Severity

Ceratocystis Dieback (Oak Wilt)

Ceratocystis fagacearum

A devastating vascular wilt disease of oak trees caused by Ceratocystis fagacearum. The disease causes rapid mortality in red oak group species and chronic decline in white oaks, spreading through root grafts between adjacent trees and by insect vectors.

Peak Season: Symptom appearance: Spring through summerPeak mortality: Single growing season for red oaksPathogen survival: Year-round in infected woodRoot spread: Continuous between grafted treesBeetle transmission: During active feeding periods
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Oak wilt symptoms

Identification & Symptoms

What to Look For

Bronzing or wilting of leaves on individual branches
Half-leaf symptom: outer portion brown, inner portion green
Brown streaking of sapwood (vascular discoloration)
Rapid leaf drop within weeks of initial wilting
Progressive crown decline through summer
Varying resistance by oak species group

Potential Damage

Rapid mortality in red oak group (one season)
Chronic decline in white oak group
Vascular system disruption and vessel plugging
Secondary spread to adjacent trees via root grafts
Economic losses in urban and forest settings

Lifecycle

The fungus remains viable in infected trees: up to one year in trunk, up to four years in roots. It grows toward inner sapwood and outward to cambial region. Spread occurs through root grafts to adjacent trees and by beetle feeding for long-distance transmission.

Professional Treatment Approach

1

Fungisol applications for high-value trees

2

Sever root grafts between infected and healthy trees

3

Remove infected trees to prevent spread

4

Avoid pruning during high-risk periods

5

Preventive treatments for valuable specimens

Recommended Mauget Products

Fungisol

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against ceratocystis dieback (oak wilt).

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