Dutch Elm Disease

Ophiostoma novo-ulmi

8 host plants · Fungal

Last updated

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

Agent Type
fungal
Causal Agent
Ophiostoma novo-ulmi
Host Plants
8
Now: Spring Beetle Emergence and FeedingHigh Risk

Beetles emerge and begin feeding under bark as temperatures warm above 50°F, typically mid-spring. Feeding creates exit holes; fungal spores introduced into xylem during gallery construction.

Next: Fungal Colonization of Xylem

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)

Data Maturity
Baseline Extension data. Expert review underway.