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Sassafras at an Impasse? An Update on Laurel Wilt in Southern Forests

April 17 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Laurel wilt is a vascular tree disease complex that was first detected in the United States in 2002 near Savannah, Georgia. It has since spread to several states across the southeast as far west as Texas and north to Virginia and Kentucky. Laurel wilt is caused by the pathogenic fungus Harringtonia lauricola (formerly Raffaelea lauricola) and primarily vectored by the invasive redbay ambrosia beetle (RAB; Xyleborus glabratus). Although first observed in redbay trees, any member of the lauraceae family is a potential host for this disease that produces discolored, wilting foliage, and potential host mortality. Since its introduction to the United States, laurel wilt has been responsible for the death of millions of redbay trees plus a large number of sassafras trees. In this webinar, Dr. Bud Mayfield will give an update on laurel wilts progression across the southeast, its impact, and potential management strategies.

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Southern Regional Extension Forestry
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