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UK Forestry and Natural Resources studies newest invader in Kentucky forests

UK Forestry and Natural Resources studies newest invader in Kentucky forests

UK Forestry and Natural Resources studies newest invader in Kentucky forests

Laurel wilt is caused by an invasive fungal pathogen from Asia, Raffaelea lauricola. The disease has recently been discovered in Christian, Todd and Logan counties. Spread by the tiny redbay ambrosia beetle, also an invasive species from Asia, it affects species of the laurel family (Lauraceae), which include redbay, sassafras, spicebush and avocado. In this area, the sassafras tree and the spicebush shrub, both native species, are at risk.

While sassafras is not valued as a timber species and, at times, spicebush can grow into a dense and problematic understory, their value to the native ecosystem has yet to be fully determined. Spicebush, for example, is a good alternative to invasive plants, such as bush honeysuckle, burning bush and privet, that can negatively impact woodlands.

Sassafras and spicebush both produce fruit that is valued by wildlife. UK researchers are trying to determine what impact laurel wilt is going to have on biodiversity.

Megan Buland performs a count of spicebush caterpillars for a study to determine the impact of laurel wilt disease on the ecosystem. Photo by Carol Lea Spence
Megan Buland performs a count of spicebush caterpillars for a study to determine the impact of laurel wilt disease on the ecosystem. Photo by Carol Lea Spence

 

Laurel wilt symptoms include sudden wilting and discoloration of the foliage, followed by rapid leaf death. Photo by Abe Nielsen, Ky. Division of Forestry
Laurel wilt symptoms include sudden wilting and discoloration of the foliage, followed by rapid leaf death. Photo by Abe Nielsen, Ky. Division of Forestry

 

Ellen Crocker searches for spicebush caterpillars as part of a study on the impact of laurel wilt disease on biodiversity and the ecosystem. Photo by Carol Lea Spence
Ellen Crocker searches for spicebush caterpillars as part of a study on the impact of laurel wilt disease on biodiversity and the ecosystem. Photo by Carol Lea Spence

 

Sassafras showing signs of infection from laurel wilt, an invasive fungal disease. Photo by Abe Nielsen, Ky. Division of Forestry
Sassafras showing signs of infection from laurel wilt, an invasive fungal disease. Photo by Abe Nielsen, Ky. Division of Forestry

 

A spicebush caterpillar in an early larval stage. To protect themselves from predators, the caterpillars often camouflage themselves as bird droppings. Photo by Carol Lea Spence
A spicebush caterpillar in an early larval stage. To protect themselves from predators, the caterpillars often camouflage themselves as bird droppings. Photo by Carol Lea Spence

 

Megan Buland performs a count of spicebush caterpillars for a study to determine the impact of laurel wilt disease on biodiversity and the ecosystem. Photo by Carol Lea Spence
Megan Buland performs a count of spicebush caterpillars for a study to determine the impact of laurel wilt disease on biodiversity and the ecosystem. Photo by Carol Lea Spence

 

Black streaks under the bark of a sassafras tree are an indication of the presence of laural wilt disease. Photo by Abe Nielsen, Ky. Division of Forestry
Black streaks under the bark of a sassafras tree are an indication of the presence of laural wilt disease. Photo by Abe Nielsen, Ky. Division of Forestry

 

Megan Buland starts to record data from a count of spicebush caterpillars. Photo by Carol Lea Spence
Megan Buland starts to record data from a count of spicebush caterpillars. Photo by Carol Lea Spence

 

Contact Information

Scovell Hall Lexington, KY 40546-0064

cafenews@uky.edu