Dutch Elm Disease

Ophiostoma novo-ulmi

8 host plants

Last updated

Data Maturity Baseline

This profile contains verified disease data from extension databases. Regional field notes and expert review are in progress.

Dutch elm disease causes sudden wilting and death of elm trees. You see vascular discoloration in wood and rapid crown thinning. The fungus is spread by elm bark beetles. Remove infected trees and maintain beetle control.

Start with cultural controls: remove infected tissue, improve drainage and air circulation, and keep foliage dry when possible. Dutch Elm Disease responds best to early intervention, so scout regularly during the growing season and act at the first sign of symptoms. Chemical controls exist for severe cases but work best as preventive treatments before infection takes hold.

Quick Reference

Causal Agent
Ophiostoma novo-ulmi
Host Plants
8

Management

Cultural Controls

  • Plant resistant elm varieties including: 'Christine Buisman', 'Dynasty', 'Homestead', 'New Horizon', 'Pioneer', 'Regal', 'Urban', 'Sapporo Autumn Gold'.
  • Resistant species include Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), Chinese elm (U. parvifolia), Japanese zelkova (Zelkova serrata), elm zelkova (Z. carpinifolia), and hackberry (Celtis sp.).
  • Bark beetles are attracted to injured trees; avoid injury during spring and summer.
  • Control bark beetles, which may attack weak or damaged trees.
  • Destroy freshly cut wood of beetle-infested trees or strip and destroy bark from logs.

Host Plants (8)