Page 16 - MNLGA Free State Spring 2025_WEB
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IT'S TIME FOR SHARING (Continued)
leaf disease and any of these other
impacts simultaneously.
Beech bark disease (BBD)
symptoms: The symptoms of this
disease are concentrated on the
bark. A white, fuzzy coating on the
tree’s trunk and branches is a sign of
the scale insect.
Erineum patch symptoms: Yellowish
patches appear on the upper side of
the leaf. The patches are light green
in spring, then fade to orange and
eventually brown.
Powdery mildew symptoms: Leaves
and stems appear to be covered in
a white, powdery substance that
resembles powdered sugar. Powdery
mildew is caused by native fungi
and affects a variety of shrubs and
trees. This is a cosmetic disease that
does not kill the tree but could cause
defoliation if not addressed.
Anthracnose symptoms: Small
brown or black spots on leaves that
eventually cause dead areas.
Beech blight aphid symptoms:
These native insects have a fluffy,
where beech make up as much as leaves may be affected. white outer coating. Also known
one-third of our forested land. The Eventually, affected leaves wither, as “boogie woogie aphids”, the
loss of Fagus grandiflora to the dry, and yellow. insects will shake or “dance” when
lumber industry will be somewhat • Reduced leaf and bud production. the branch is disturbed to ward off
important. It is considered less potential predators.
important than red oak and hard • Leaf loss has been recorded only in
(sugar) maple. heavily affected trees but would be Beech leaf rolling aphid symptoms:
noticeable in summer months. Leaves may curl and appear yellow
Disease Symptoms
• A single tree can contain both or faded between the veins. These
Beech Leaf Disese (BLD) Symptoms: injuries are caused by aphids feeding
heavily infected and unaffected
• Leaf striping, curling, and/or branches. on the leaves. This insect is native
leathery texture. (source: New York State Division of and feeds on the beach without
- These symptoms are most Environmental Conservation) causing much harm.
easily noticed by looking up into Six other diseases of beech can be Plant Pest and Disease
the tree canopy and may be misdiagnosed as BLD so one has to Management over the years
visible from leaf out in May until be careful not to make the wrong Over decades of plant production,
leaves fall off in October. diagnosis. Also, a beech tree can many serious pest problems have
- In early infestations, only a few exhibit symptoms of both beech occurred in the Mid-Atlantic states.
16 SPRING 2025 • Free State News
