Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Pine Wilt Nematode
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Damage to Pine trees. Rapid
wilting and death results from infestations of susceptible pine trees by
the pinewood nematode.
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Biology. Bursaphelenchus
xylophilus is transported to pine trees by Pinesawyer beetles where
it feeds on Blue-stain fungus as well as cells lining the resin canals
of the tree. The nematodes spread throughout the tree and multiply
very rapidly. As they destroy the resin canal cells, the tree's water-moving
system becomes clogged and resin flow stops.
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Ecology. The widespread
distribution of the pinewood nematode suggests that it is native to the
United States.
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Symptoms. Pine wilt symptoms
develop very quickly. Affected trees can turn brown and die in as
little as 3 weeks.
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Damage to other crops. Pine
wilt is most serious on Scots pine, although it has also been reported
on Austrian and white pines. It is considered to be a potentially serious
problem in landscape settings, windbreaks, Christmas tree farms, and recreational
plantings.
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Control. Dead trees must
be cut down and burned before the sawyer beetles emerge in early to mid
summer. Once infected there is no effective control measure.
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References. Home
and garden factsheet. Michigan State University.;
K-State
Reseach and Extension: Pinewood nematode
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