Beech leaf disease was first detected in 2012 in Ohio. The first infected stand in NY was discovered in 2018. In the summer of 2022, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) confirmed the presence of beech leaf disease in over 30 counties in NY, including the first infestation in the APIPP PRISM in Herkimer County.
Little is known about the disease, and researchers are still trying to determine the cause of it and how it spreads. The disease is believed to be associated with a nematode (worm), Litylenchus crenatae mccannii. However, because this nematode has also been found on trees that are not showing symptoms of the disease, it is unclear if the nematode is the sole cause of the disease or is only a vector of unknown pathogens (such as a virus bacteria or fungus). This disease is seen in the leaves of affected beech trees and symptoms include dark striping between the leaf veins, curling, and/or a leathery texture. The striping is most easily seen on the underside of the leaves and is visible when looking up into the tree canopy or when holding branches up to the light. In early infestations, only a few leaves may be affected, and a single tree can have both heavily infected and unaffected branches. NOTE: there are many lookalikes that affect beech trees and that cause discoloration and curling of leaves (see the link below to a fact sheet that shows some of the lookalikes). If you think you have found an infected tree, it is best to take pictures of the infected leaves and report your findings using the free iMapInvasives app. If you do not have a smart device, you can report location information to NYSDEC at foresthealth@dec.ny.gov or 1-866-640-0652.
Distribution:
NOTE: If you receive a "sign in" message, click cancel to continue. Confirmed observations of Beech leaf disease nematode submitted to the NYS Invasive Species Database. For more information, visit iMapInvasives
Habitat:
Beech leaf disease has been found on a variety of beech species, including American beech (Fagus grandifolia). American beech is a dominant canopy tree in eastern deciduous forests, including the forests of the Adirondacks. Beech trees thrive in moist, well-drained soil.
Threats & Impacts:
Beech leaf disease can kill beech trees of all ages. Mature trees can be killed in 6-10 years, while young trees can be killed in as little as 2-3 years. Beech trees are valued by wildlife for nesting sites, as well as for the nuts they produce that are a common forage of birds, black bears, and other wildlife.
Management Techniques:
There are currently no known ways to manage beech leaf disease. If you see beech leaf disease, please report it using the free iMapInvasives app so that researchers can learn more about this disease. If you do not have a smart device, you can report location information to NYSDEC at foresthealth@dec.ny.gov or 1-866-640-0652.
