DiseaseHigh Severity

Ceratocystis Fagacearum (Oak Wilt)

Ceratocystis fagacearum

Oak wilt is one of the most serious diseases affecting oak trees, caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum. This vascular pathogen disrupts water transport, causing rapid mortality in susceptible oaks and spreading through underground root connections.

Peak Season: Primary transmission: Spring through early summerSymptom development: Most visible during growing seasonHigh-risk period: Avoid pruning April through JulyVector activity: Coincides with beetle feeding periodsRoot transmission: Year-round between connected trees
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Oak wilt disease symptoms

Identification & Symptoms

What to Look For

Initial bronzing or wilting on individual branches or crown sections
Distinctive half-leaf browning pattern
Brown streaking visible in sapwood cross-sections
Rapid leaf drop following initial wilting
Complete crown wilt within weeks to months
Species-specific resistance patterns

Potential Damage

Catastrophic mortality in red oak species (single season)
Gradual decline in white oak species (may recover)
Disruption of tree vascular systems
Landscape-level mortality through root graft transmission
Long-term ecosystem impacts in oak forests

Lifecycle

The pathogen spreads locally through natural root grafts between trees within 50 feet of each other. Long-distance spread occurs through beetle vectors that feed on infected material then visit healthy trees. The fungus can survive up to 4 years in infected root systems.

Professional Treatment Approach

1

Preventive Fungisol treatments for high-value trees

2

Immediate removal of infected trees to prevent spread

3

Root graft barrier installation around healthy trees

4

Avoid pruning during high-risk transmission periods

5

Professional diagnosis and management planning

Recommended Mauget Products

Fungisol

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

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