DiseaseHigh Severity

Oak Wilt

Ceratocystis fagacearum

One of the most devastating diseases of oak trees, causing rapid mortality in red oak group species and chronic decline in white oaks. The fungus disrupts water transport, spreads through root grafts between adjacent trees, and can be transmitted by insects feeding on fresh wounds.

Peak Season: Initial symptoms: Spring through early summerPeak spread: During active growing seasonRoot graft transmission: Year-round through underground connectionsInsect transmission: During periods of beetle activity on fresh woundsPathogen survival: Multiple years in infected root systems
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Oak wilt showing characteristic half-leaf browning and vascular discoloration

Identification & Symptoms

What to Look For

Bronzing or wilting of leaves on individual branches or crown portions
Distinctive 'half-leaf' symptom: outer half brown/red, inner half green
Brown streaking of sapwood visible in cross-sections
Rapid leaf drop within weeks of initial wilting
Progressive spread throughout tree canopy during summer
Complete tree mortality in one season (red oak group)
Slower decline and possible recovery (white oak group)

Potential Damage

Rapid mortality of red oak group trees within one season
Economic losses in oak forests and urban landscapes
Ecosystem disruption from loss of mature oak trees
Potential spread to adjacent trees through root connections
Wildlife habitat destruction from tree mortality
Long-term forest composition changes

Lifecycle

Pathogen remains alive in infected trees for up to one year in trunks and four years in roots. Spreads to adjacent trees through natural root grafts. Long-distance transmission occurs through beetle feeding on fresh wounds or infected firewood transport.

Professional Treatment Approach

1

Fungisol applications for disease management and prevention

2

Avoid wounding oak trees during high-risk periods

3

Remove and properly dispose of infected trees to reduce inoculum

4

Sever root connections between healthy and infected trees

5

Avoid transport of infected oak firewood or mulch

Recommended Mauget Products

Fungisol

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against oak wilt.

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