What is Laurel Wilt Disease (LWD)? Laurel Wilt Disease, also known as Raffaelea Lauricola or Redbay Ambrosia Beetle Disease (Xyleborus glabratus), is a fungal infection that can be devastating. This disease is primarily a problem for trees of the laurel tree family. These include redbay, swampbay and avocado. The disease was first discovered in the United States during the early 2000s. Since then, it has spread rapidly throughout the southern states.
How it Spreads
The pathogen is carried by the redbay ambrosia insect in special structures called mycangia. The fungus is introduced into the tree’s system of vascular tissue as the beetle bores through the bark to create galleries. The fungus spreads quickly through the xylem tissue (the tissue which transports water), leading to a rapid blockage, which leads to wilting of the tree and eventually death.
The ease with which it can spread makes laurel wilt a particularly dangerous disease. The beetles can spread the disease over long distances by infecting wood or nursery stock. Once established, it can quickly spread through forests and agricultural settings.
Symptoms of Laurel Wilt
Infected trees usually show these signs:
- Leaves suddenly turn reddish brown or purple, instead of green.
- When the bark is peeled away, there are black streaks on the sapwood.
- Rapid canopy dieback
- The entire tree can die in as little as two months.
Why it Matters
Laurel Wilt poses a serious threat to agriculture. It is not just a forest disease. The disease is a serious threat to commercial avocado orchards in Florida and other avocado producing regions. Once the disease has been contracted, there is no way to cure it, and whole orchards can be destroyed.
Prevention and Management
Prevention is the best option, as there is no treatment that is effective.
- Do not move wood or firewood from areas infested.
- Watch for signs of wilt in susceptible trees.
- To reduce the number of beetle nesting sites, remove and destroy trees infected with the pest.
- Support research and extension programmes that focus on resistant cultivars, improved management strategies and support programs for research.
The conclusion of the article is:
The Laurel Wilt Disease shows how an invasive pathogen-pest combination can be a threat to both ecosystems and resources. To slow the spread of this disease, it is important to be aware, detect early and manage trees responsibly.
This post was written a professional arborist from www.arborwisetreeservices.com . Arbor Wise Professional Tree Care is owned by Robert Miller, an arborist with years of experience. Arborwise Tree Services, a tree service company, offers tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding and fertilization. Our lawn care business is well-known in the Pinellas County area.
