CURRENT MOON

      TX Organic Research Center
                T.O.R.C. 
        Organic Research



      Organic Radio 
         Talk Show


        Organic Product Recommendations 
     

Nitidulid Beetles
 

Beetles in the family Nitidulidae, sometimes called sap beetles. These beetles have been
implicated as the primary carriers of fungal spores of the oak wilt pathogen to healthy trees.

Symptoms

Trees of highly susceptible red and white oak species wilt rapidly from the top down and are killed completely within four to six weeks. Moderately susceptible species wilt more slowly. Trees of species with low susceptibility may "wall off" the disease and survive with only partial death of branches.

Healthy trees are infected by fungal spores that enter wounds on branches and trunks. Insects such as sap beetles (Nitidulidae) and bark beetles (Scolytidae) are attracted to oozing sap from fresh tree wounds. The beetles become contaminated with fungal spores and are believed to be the primary agents of long-distance spread from diseased to healthy trees. Thus, the importation of all wood with bark is prohibited since it may contain contaminated beetles. The disease also spreads slowly from tree to tree via natural root graphs.


Previous Question | Back | Next Question
 
 
Printable Version | Back to Top

 
North Haven Gardens
 
 
Moore Tree Care
 
   
Send this website to a friend Make this website your home page