Invasive oak wilt disease detected in southern Ontario
An invasive and fast-acting fungal disease known as oak wilt has been confirmed in southern Ontario
An invasive tree disease, Oak Wilt, has been confirmed in the Niagara region and Springwater, Ont., making it the first-ever detection of the fungal infection in Canada. The disease, which primarily affects red oak trees, is capable of killing infected trees within a single growing season.
“Usually, the red oak dies within a few weeks or within a season,” says Kishan Sambaraju, a research scientist with Natural Resources Canada. The disease forms fungal growths under the bark, causing it to crack open. This characteristic attracts sap beetles, which are a primary method of disease transmission, along with the transportation of infected lumber.
Sambaraju warns that infected trees typically exhibit rapid decline, with leaves browning from the edges inward and premature leaf fall during the growing season.
Signs and symptoms of oak wilt include dull green, brown or yellow leaves | Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Residents are urged to watch for these signs on their red oaks.
DON'T MISS: 'It's taken over': Hogweed expert sees invasive plant spread along Grand River
While Oak Wilt poses no threat to humans, experts caution about its potential ecological and economic consequences.
“Urban wildlife uses acorns as food, and oak wood is prized for furniture and flooring,” Sambaraju says.
Cracks in the trunk of dead trees can be a sign of Oak Wilt | Canadian Food Inspection Agency
To prevent further spread, cleaning clothes, tools, and equipment after exposure to infected branches is essential. Sightings should be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.