History of BLD in Massachusetts
By Nicole Keleher , DCR Forest Health Program Director
Beech leaf disease ( BLD ) is a newly described disease , first identified in Ohio in 2012 . The disease complex is associated with a foliar nematode species , Litylenchus crenatae . The disease causes damage to a tree ’ s leaves , leading to reduced vigor and can eventually lead to tree mortality . There are still many unknowns about how the disease is spread , how new trees are infected , or how long it takes for symptoms to develop . However , we do know that American beech , European beech , and Oriental beech can be infected . Infected trees of all ages and in both urban and forested settings have been observed .
Detection in Massachusetts
Beech leaf disease has quickly spread from its initial detection point in Ohio . Currently , BLD has been found in 10 U . S . states and 1 Canadian Province . The first detection in Massachusetts was in June 2020 in the town of Plymouth ( Plymouth County ). Symptomatic trees have since been found in all Massachusetts Counties . As of July 2022 , BLD had been confirmed in 83 communities in Massachusetts . The DCR Forest Health Program is surveying beech trees across the state to determine the extent of the disease in Massachusetts [ and will keep industry updated ].
How to Identify and Report Beech Leaf Disease
Beech leaf disease can be identified by the distinctive leaf symptoms it causes . Early BLD symptoms will include dark stripes between the veins on leaves . When looking up at the tree canopy from underneath , you might notice dark green bands on the underside of the leaves . As the disease progresses , leaves may become withered , curled , or develop a leathery texture . A heavily impacted tree may appear to have a thinner canopy or have sections of branch dieback .
Other insects and pathogens can also cause leaf damage on beech . However , this damage is usually easy to distinguish from BLD . Mites and aphids will feed on beech leaves and cause discoloration , but this is usually lighter in color than the leaf compared to BLD with has darker bands forming . Other insect or pathogen damage can cause leaves to look brownish and become more brittle , in comparison to BLD that will develop a leatherier texture as it withers and curls the leaves . Beech will also naturally hold onto leaves into the winter , if you see a beech with brown leaves still attached in the winter , this is normal .
Close up of leaf infected with Beech Leaf Disease .
Leaves heavily impacted by BLD that have begun to curl .
If you think you have a beech tree that might be infected with beech leaf disease , please use our online form , https :// arcg . is / 1Svrz40 , to report it to the DCR Forest Health Program . Any details you can provide about the location , symptoms and severity of the disease , or any pictures of the tree will help us in our monitoring efforts of the progress of this disease .
Nicole Keleher is Forest Health Program Director at the DCR Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry . Connect with Nicole at Nicole . Keleher @ mass . gov .
16 MAA NEWS SUMMER 2023