DiseaseHigh Severity

Pine Wilt Nematode

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus

A parasitic nematode that causes pine wilt disease, transmitted by pine sawyer beetles. The disease can quickly kill pine trees within one to two years, with Scots, Austrian, and Japanese black pines being most susceptible.

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Pine tree showing symptoms of pine wilt nematode disease

Identification & Symptoms

What to Look For

Trees infected in spring often dead by late summer to early fall
Large trees may take two years to die
Quick stunting of infected plants
Foliage fades to off green or yellowish color before turning brown
Dead needles hang on branches for extended periods
On large trees, older needles turn yellow first and fall off
Trees infected in fall do not break bud the following spring

Potential Damage

Rapid tree mortality within 1-2 years
Vascular tissue becomes plugged
Complete tree death regardless of initial vigor
Can affect large mature trees

Lifecycle

Transmitted by pine sawyer beetles (Monochamus carolinensis). Nematode develops from egg to adult in 4-12 days depending on temperature. Females lay dozens of eggs over several weeks. Nematode breeds rapidly and plugs vascular tissue.

Professional Treatment Approach

1

Preventive insecticide treatments to control beetle vectors

2

Remove and destroy infected trees promptly

3

Nematicide treatments in some cases

4

Plant resistant species where possible

5

Reduce tree stress through proper care

Recommended Mauget Products

Imicide

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against pine wilt nematode.

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Tree-äge

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against pine wilt nematode.

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Need Professional Diagnosis?

Our certified arborists can help you accurately identify tree problems and develop an effective treatment plan using Mauget's proven injection systems.

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