NotMISpecies webinar: Oak wilt spread and vector behavior

Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 10/21/2024 01:35 PM EDT

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Webinar: Oct. 29, 9-10 a.m.

Getting Down to the Nitty Gritty: Oak Wilt Spread and Vector Behavior Research in Michigan

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You might have heard the message, “Don’t prune oaks in summer.” That’s because tiny nitidulid beetles are active in this period and can carry the oak wilt fungal pathogen from tree to tree as they feed on sap from fresh tree wounds. Knowing exactly when these beetle vectors are active in the spring and summer can determine the “no pruning” season recommended to protect oaks.

Dr. Tara Bal and Katie Bershing from the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science at Michigan Technological University will explain how to identify and prevent oak wilt and share results from their ongoing research into oak wilt vector behavior in northern Michigan.

A closeup of oak tree bark showing white mildew and oozing from the oak wilt fungus and a small beetle on the bark.

 

Join the NotMISpecies webinar series again on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 9 a.m. for “Beauty or Beast? Tackling Invasive Purple Jewelweed in the Upper Peninsula." Nick Cassel, Upper Peninsula Resource Conservation and Development Council director, Elise Desjarlais, Lake to Lake CISMA coordinator, and Michael Hindy, Three Shores CISMA coordinator, explain why purple jewelweed is a concern, what's being done to manage it, and what landowners can do to help.

This webinar series explores how agencies, universities and locally led organizations are working together to protect Michigan’s natural resources through the Michigan Invasive Species Program.