Oak Wilt
Oak Wilt is a fungal pathogen, named Bretziella fagacearum that kills oak trees as fast as within one year of infection. It is spread through root systems and by bark beetles that carry the fungus between trees after feeding on the fungal mat. Oak Wilt first appeared in Ontario in 2023 in Niagara and has since been detected in Springwater.
Oak Wilt can be observed externally on the tree through leaves wilting or discolouring and dropping prematurely in the summer. Leaf discolouration begins at the tip and works its way through the leaf. Bark cracks appear in seriously infected trees as the fungal mat pushes outward.
Under the bark fungal mats are white, grey, or black.
Fungal mats grow under the bark and infect the tree. Photo by the Government of Ontario.
Lindgren Funnel Traps
Lindgren funnel traps are designed and baited to attract and catch Oak Wilt vector beetles. They are often used in conjunction with other traps baited with lures that mimic the smell of stressed trees to attract other beetles to see if the environmental DNA is present. Middlesex County hangs these traps yearly in collaboration with the MNR to support research and early detection in the County.
County staff participate in collaborative invasive species monitoring programs to increase the potential for Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR).
Resources