Maryland: Worsening Conditions of Beech Leaf Disease Confirmed Throughout the State

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~ The Maryland Department of Agriculture has recently confirmed the spread of beech leaf disease in various counties across the state. According to their latest report, the disease has been found in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, and Washington and Baltimore City. This news is concerning for both native and ornamental beech tree species as the disease has also been detected in neighboring states such as Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire,Vermont,and Maine.

Beech leaf disease is caused by a microscopic wormlike animal called Litylenchus crenatae maccannii that lives inside the leaves and buds of beech trees. It affects all species of beech trees including American beech (Fagus grandifolia). The nematode consumes tissues inside the bud during winter which leads to damage and eventually death of the tree. Symptoms can occur at any time of the year but are best observed from the underside of the leaf. These include leaf striping,curling,and a leathery texture. The disease also reduces leaf and bud production which can result in young trees dying within a year of infection and mature trees within 6-10 years.

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Unfortunately there is currently no known way to prevent nematode infection. However,the Maryland Department of Agriculture suggests pruning trees during winter or early spring to increase light and air circulation which can help dry out leaves and limit the nematode's life. Another option is using fluopyram during late summer when the leaves are wet as it has been shown to kill over 90% of live nematodes when applied during their movement from leaves to buds for overwintering. For smaller trees,a PolyPhosphite30 fertilizer has proven effective when used as a soil drench or injection during the growing season to stimulate the tree's immune system. Landowners can seek help from licensed and certified pesticide applicators for treatment options,with a list available at https://www.egov.maryland.gov/MDA/Pesticides. More information on treatments can also be found at https://holdenfg.org/beech-leaf-disease/,https:... https://web.uri.edu/coopext/wp-content/uploads/....

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In an effort to monitor and contain the spread of beech leaf disease,the Forest Pest Management team is conducting surveys in Maryland. They are also testing additional counties for the presence of the disease and nematode. Since 2019,permanent survey plots have been set up across the state. The department urges anyone who notices symptoms of beech leaf disease to report it using the Tree Health Survey app (https://treehealthapp) or via email to fpm.mda@maryland.gov.

For more information on beech leaf disease,visit the UMD Extension Website at: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/beech-leaf-d.... The Maryland Department of Agriculture is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates as necessary to protect the state's beech trees from this destructive disease.

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