Backyard Ecology™12 Jun 2025

Laurel Wilt: How Tiny Beetles Can Kill Huge Trees

Summary

In this episode, we dive deep into Laurel Wilt Disease which is a vascular wilt disease affecting trees in the Lauraceae family, such as sassafras, spicebush, and redbay. We discuss its history, how it spreads, ecological and cultural impacts of the disease, current management options, and challenges associated with managing the disease. We also explore potential future research directions and highlight the important role that each of us can play in monitoring for the disease and slowing its spread.

Today's guest

Dr. Albert, Bud, Mayfield is a Research Entomologist with the Southern Research Station of the USDA Forest Service. He has been studying and working with Laurel Wilt Disease since the mid-2000s.

3 things you'll learn from this episode:

An overview of Laurel Wilt Disease including what it is, the plants that it affects, how it spreads, symptoms to watch for, and ecological and cultural impacts of the disease.
Current research, monitoring, and management activities, including the challenges associated with controlling Laurel Wilt Disease in forests.
The importance of public awareness and the role of individuals in reporting symptoms to help monitor the spread of Laurel Wilt Disease.

Bonus content:

Symptoms of Laurel Wilt Disease (and what to do if you see them)

Resources Bud mentioned:

Map Showing Laurel Wilt Distribution

Other Backyard Ecology resources:

Thank you

Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

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