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Beech Leaf Disease Worsens In 12 MD Counties Plus Baltimore City
State agriculture officials say beech leaf disease conditions are worsening across the state; notably in 12 counties and Baltimore city.
Symptoms of beech leaf disease are worsening throughout the state in 12 counties and the city of Baltimore, the Maryland Department of Agriculture said.
Areas seeing an increase in the disease are Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, and Washington counties, along with Baltimore City.
Beech leaf disease is caused by a microscopic wormlike animal that lives inside the tree's leaves and buds, and affects all beech species, including American beech.
Find out what's happening in Across Marylandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The disease has also been found in surrounding states including Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, and New Jersey.
Beech leaf disease sickens and kills native and ornamental beech tree species. During the winter, the nematode will eat the tissues inside the bud, causing damage.,>
Find out what's happening in Across Marylandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Symptoms are best seen from the underside of the leaf and include leaf striping, curling, leathery texture, reduced leaf and bud production.,>
Young trees can be killed within one year of infection and mortality for mature trees is estimated between six and 10 years.,>
There is no known way to prevent nematode infection. Pruning trees in the winter or early spring can help increase light and air circulation to dry out the leaves and limit the nematode’s life.,>
Applying the fungicide fluopyram when nematodes move from the leaves to the buds to overwinter was shown to kill over 90% of live nematodes, ag officials said. Treatment should occur in the late summer during a time when the leaves are wet.,>
Another treatment with proven effectiveness on smaller size class trees is a PolyPhosphite30 fertilizer. This product is used during the growing season as a soil drench or soil injection which will stimulate the tree’s immune system.,>
Landowners can contact licensed and certified pesticide applicators for treatment options.,>
To report symptoms of Beech Leaf Disease, email to fpm.mda@maryland.gov.,>
For more information, visit the UMD Extension Website.,>
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