bacterial leaf scorch
(Xylella fastidiosa)
This species is Locally Distributed across its range in the United States
Major Hosts: Oaks, maples, dogwood, elm, sycamore, sweetgum
Key Features: Disease: Bacterium spread by plant hoppers called sharpshooters, tree hoppers and spittlebugs. This can only be confirmed by lab tests.
Symptoms: Bacterium infects xylem, blocking water flow to leaves. Leaves usually appear “scorched”, i.e. with necrosis of leaf margins. Defoliation usually ensues and may be a continuous event. All of this leads to eventual dieback of branches and many times, tree death.
Control/Management: Disease can be fatal and there is no viable single tree treatment - antibiotics have been tried, but with inconsistent results. The symptoms are reminiscent of drought and heat induced scorching, but the tree never recovers from bacterial leaf scorch. If you suspect you are dealing with this disease, contact either the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Division of Forestry or report it using the Great Lakes Early Detection Network smartphone app.
Key Features: Disease: Bacterium spread by plant hoppers called sharpshooters, tree hoppers and spittlebugs. This can only be confirmed by lab tests.
Symptoms: Bacterium infects xylem, blocking water flow to leaves. Leaves usually appear “scorched”, i.e. with necrosis of leaf margins. Defoliation usually ensues and may be a continuous event. All of this leads to eventual dieback of branches and many times, tree death.
Control/Management: Disease can be fatal and there is no viable single tree treatment - antibiotics have been tried, but with inconsistent results. The symptoms are reminiscent of drought and heat induced scorching, but the tree never recovers from bacterial leaf scorch. If you suspect you are dealing with this disease, contact either the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Division of Forestry or report it using the Great Lakes Early Detection Network smartphone app.
Selected Images
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Bacteria |
| Phylum: Proteobacteria |
| Class: Gammaproteobacteria |
| Order: Xanthomonadales |
| Family: Xanthomonadaceae |
| Genus: Xylella |
| Xylella fastidiosa |
Other System Links
NPDN Pest: FBDWRLB
References
Common Name Reference: Derived from taxonomy / Generic common name
Scientific Name Reference: