DiseaseHigh Severity

Dutch Elm Disease

Ophiostoma ulmi (formerly Ceratocystis ulmi)

A devastating fungal disease that has killed millions of elm trees across North America. The disease is spread primarily by elm bark beetles and through root grafts between adjacent trees.

Peak Season: Infection typically occurs spring through summer, with peak activity during beetle flight periods
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Dutch Elm Disease symptoms showing characteristic wilting and browning

Identification & Symptoms

What to Look For

Yellowing and wilting of terminal leaves in late spring
Browning and premature leaf drop
Twigs curving inward creating 'shepherd's crook' appearance
Notched twig crotches from beetle entry points
Tan or brown streaking in sapwood of infected branches
Sparse, chlorotic foliage development
Rapid spread from branch to branch

Potential Damage

Complete tree mortality, often within one season for smaller trees
Larger trees may survive several years with declining health
Disruption of water and nutrient transport in vascular system
Economic losses in urban landscapes and natural forests
Loss of elm species from North American ecosystems
Reduced property values in affected areas

Lifecycle

The fungus overwinters in infected trees, logs, or stumps. Elm bark beetles carry spores between trees while laying eggs in dying elms. Larvae develop under bark through fall and winter, emerging as adults in spring carrying sticky spores. The disease can also spread through natural root grafts between trees. Up to 3 generations of beetles can occur annually.

Professional Treatment Approach

1

Preventive fungicide injections before infection occurs

2

Early detection and rapid removal of infected trees

3

Break root grafts between healthy and infected trees

4

Control elm bark beetle populations through sanitation

5

Avoid pruning during beetle flight periods (April-July)

6

Professional diagnosis through laboratory culturing recommended

Recommended Mauget Products

Fungisol

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against dutch elm disease.

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Tebuject 16

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against dutch elm disease.

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