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Oak trees are a keystone species. The title speaks for itself. Biodiversity is impacted thru the loss of oak trees. Oak trees are one of the most beloved types. Their environmental role and beauty are irrelevant factors at the hands of this plant disease.

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Ceratocystis fagacearum began presenting its accompanying issues around 1940 in Mississippi.  The disease is exclusive to the United States, being found in the Eastern and Midwestern US.

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Most solutions are best found with the help of an arborist

Some methods control the spread:

sever root grafts- these are compromised locations

removal of infected wood- reducing presence of infection

Others are preventative measures:

minimal pruning- open wounds attract sap beetles

form trenches around trees suffering from oak wilt- minimize transmission

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Davey: https://www.davey.com/insect-disease-resource-center/oak-wilt-disease/
Morton Arboretum: https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/tree-plant-care/plant-care-resources/oak-wilt/#management

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isolated dead branches in the crown

early leaf drop

leaf color is grayish-green, brown, or brown at the tip and margin

sudden wilting

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The fungus grows through the infected tree’s water conducting system, causing the tree to wilt and die. Oak wilt is introduced to an area by sap-feeding beetles that carry oak wilt spores to fresh wounds. Spore-bearing fungal mats develop under the bark in the fall or spring following the death of the infected tree.

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The culprit is scientifically known as "Ceratocystis fagacearum" and was formerly referred to with "Bretziella fagacearum".

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Tropical and subtropical coniferous forests

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Can be found in all types of oak (Quercus)
White oak (quercus alba) is less susceptible;
white, bur, English, swamp white, and chinkapin
Red oak (quercus rubra) faces a greater risk:
red, black, Hill’s, pin, and scarlet

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Oak Wilt - Scientific Name: "Ceratocystis fagacearum"

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Oak Wilt - Scientific Name: "Ceratocystis fagacearum"

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The fungus, Ceratocystis fagacearum, invades the water conducting tissues (xylem) and induces the tree to clog its own vessels, preventing the normal flow of water. This causes the foliage to wilt and, frequently, tree death.