Beech Leaf Disease

Beech leaf disease is a newly described disease causing discolouration of beech leaves. 

It was first observed in Ohio in 2012 and is now found across Eastern USA and parts of Canada. It mainly affects American beech (F. grandifolia), however symptoms have been observed on other beech species such as European beech (F. sylvatica) and the Japanese beech (F. crenata). As a newly described disease the risk to other beech species, the disease biology, and pathogens associated require further research.   

The pathogenic nematode Litylenchus crenatae mccannii has been found in association with Beech leaf disease symptoms, however the disease mechanism requires further research. It is believed that the nematodes spread through infected plant material, soil, and possibly by wind or water. Early symptoms include dark, interveinal banding on leaves, which later progress to deformed, curled, and leathery leaves. Reduction in canopy can result in death of mature trees in ten years.  

For more information on Beech leaf disease, see the resources below.