Disease and Insect Update

Disease and Insect Update-Current Statewide Issues

Emerald Ash Borer-All native Ash trees are susceptible

(Photos-Pictures of EAB, very distinct d-shaped exit hole, extensive galleries caused by EAB in dead Ash, relative size on penny)

This small but voracious beetle is native to China and believed to have entered the country on wooden shipping pallets.
Estimates on the number of Ash trees killed in the United States are over 20 Million.
Emerald Ash borer was found last year in pheremone traps in Missouri-
The general consensus among Foresters and Entomologists- it is only a matter of time before it is Kansas.
*ARBORISTS AT VANBOOVEN HAVE A WORKING TREATMENT PLAN IN PLACE AND READY.

Map of Emerald Ash Borer Infestation

Map courtesy of U.S. Forest Service

For more information:

Kansas Department of Agriculture- http://www.ksda.gov/plant_protection/content/379

U.S. Forest Service-http://www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/eab/

Thousand Cankers Disease of Walnut-A major threat to native Kansas Walnut

Pictures-Map showing states already affected by Thousand Cankers Disease, close up of Walnut Twig Beetle, infected Walnut limb.

Thousand Cankers disease is caused by the fungus Geosmithia, carried by the Walnut Twig Beetle from infected trees.
The fungus is spread by beetle activity and creates large dead areas on twigs, branches and trunks. The progression of the disease ultimately causes vascular blockage, which kills the tree.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture issued a quarantine order on July 20, 2010, to prevent the spread of Thousand Cankers disease
to Kansas. Walnut is the most valuable timber crop in Kansas and this disease could devastate not only Kansas, but other states with even heavier native Walnut forests and timber production.

*As of this time, there are no treatments for control

For more information:

Kansas Department of Agriculture-http://www.ksda.gov/plant_protection/content/378