The Sad Appearance of Beech Leaf Disease

Much of eastern and central North America has seen the spread of this disease of various species of Beech trees, presenting with dark stripes in the leaves, followed by leaf curling and loss. The accumulating loss of photosynthesis kills a tree within a few years. The cause appears to be a foliar nematode (a microscopic roundworm), Litylenchus crenatae ssp. mccannii, and the manner of spread is unknown. There are no established means of prevention or treatment, but research is underway.

 

My favorite large, old American Beech in the woods near my home is obviously affected, and only has about one-third as many leaves as usual this year.

 

A sad story for Tree-mendous Tuesday

Done