Plant Disease Affecting Plant Nurseries In Fairfax County

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — As residents buy plantings for the fall season, Fairfax County's Urban Forest Management Division wants them to be aware of a spreading disease affecting woody plants.

The disease called Vascular Streak Dieback has been killing plantings bought from nurseries throughout Virginia and at least five other states. The county's Urban Forest Management Division says trees like the redbud, maple, and dogwood appear to be the most impacted in Virginia.

Research on Vascular Streak Dieback shows the disease spreads by wind carrying fungal spores. When a spore infects a leaf, it travels into the branch and main stem's woody tissues to eventually kill the plant. Researchers are studying the plant disease and its fungus to find ways to prevent it and keep it from spreading.

According to the county's Urban Forest Management Division, a plant deteriorating from the disease may look like green leaves yellowing or paling, brown or scorched leaf margins and stunting or wilting of the current year’s growth.

Residents looking for trees at nurseries are advised to ask staff about vascular streak dieback and whether they can check the internal woody tissue before buying. They can also look for signs of scorched leaves or buds and dieback of young stems.

Any plant purchases suspected to have Vascular Streak Dieback can be reported to the Virginia Cooperative Extension and properly thrown out to prevent disease spread. Plants or live branches impacted by the disease can also be mailed with two-day delivery to the Virginia Cooperative Extension for disease identification at Plant Disease Clinic, 106 Price Hall, 170 Drillfield Drive, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0331.