You may have noticed your Eastern White Pines showing yellowing, browning, and loss of needles. While these symptoms may have become more noticeable in your area this spring, white pine needle damage (WPND) has been observed in the northern U.S. and eastern Canada – with increasing frequency and severity — over the past few years.…
The black cottonwood, Populus balsamifera, native to the northwestern United States and western Canada are under a new threat from a deadly fungal disease. The black cottonwoods along coastal British Columbia are integral to the ecosystem; they provide habitat and forage for wildlife, prevent erosion and improve water quality, however, unless researchers can determine a…
Laurel wilt is a disease affecting redbay (Persea borbonia) which is a facultative wetland shrub or small tree throughout much of its range. This disease is caused by the introduction of a non-native fungus (Raffaelea lauricola) via the invasive ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus). Laurel wilt compromises the ability of the plant to uptake and transport water, causing leaves…
Infection Imposition Over the last decade the mortality of black walnut trees has increased in many states. Thousand Canker Disease (TCD) is the result of a tiny bark beetle which burrows in the bark and creates large and multitudinous galleries, making these trees susceptible to fungal disease and canker formation by creating an entry point…
New Found in Newfoundland Scientists have discovered honeybee colonies in Newfoundland, Canada, which are free from the parasites affecting hives in the U.S., affording a unique research opportunity. Fungal parasites such as Nosema ceranae and viral vectors like the mite, Varroa destructor are ravaging honeybee populations throughout the U.S. and around the world making research into their…
Floral Fungus When it comes to plants and shrubs, especially fruit trees and landscape quality cultivars, disease can frequently be attributed to fungus. Some of the more common fungal diseases includes root rot, cankers, black knot, anthracnose, cedar-apple rust, apple scab and various blights. Various conditions favor disease development; warm, damp weather can be very…
