Highlighted Species: Beech Leaf Disease Nematode Litylenchus crenatae mccannii
About:
Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) is the disease complex associated with a recently introduced foliar nematode. The symptoms of the disease, most notably dark green banding of the leaves, withered/curling leaves, and bud abortion, eventually stress and kill the tree. Beech trees in the forests may already be weakened by the Beech Bark Disease complex.
The life history of this nematode is still being researched, while the spread is occurring rapidly across the northeastern United States. The best way to see if a beech tree has BLD is to stand beneath the canopy on a bright day and look up– the dark banding of the leaves will contrast against the light green foliage.
Members of the public are encouraged not to move firewood or plant material, as well as report any suspected sightings to programs like iMap Invasives, or to their state’s extension program or forest health program.
Design Notes:
This design features the conspicuous dark green banding, an effect of the feeding of the nematodes. Nat’s manicure is held up against the sky, as if one is below the canopy of a beech tree and looking up to view banding.
Resources:
Brazee, Nicholas J. (2024 March). Beech leaf disease. UMass Extension Nursery, Landscape, and Urban Forestry Program. https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/beech-leaf- disease
Emerald Ash Borer Network. (2024). Beech leaf disease.
https://www.emeraldashborer.info/other-species/BLD
iMapInvasives. (2024). iMapInvasives: Sharing information
for strategic management.
https://www.imapinvasives.org/
Invasive Species Centre. (2024). Beech leaf disease.
https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/invasive-species/meet-the-species/invasive-pathogens/beech-leaf-disease/
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