Developing Fluopyram as a Tool to Combat Beech Leaf Disease in Managed Landscapes and Nurseries

Area of Science:

• Plant Pathology
• Nematology
• Forest Science

Background:

• Beech leaf disease (BLD), caused by Litylenchus crenatae mccannii (Lcm), is a significant emerging threat to beech trees (Fagus spp.) in North America.
• Current management options for BLD are limited, posing challenges for arborists and land managers.
• Understanding BLD pathophysiology is key to developing effective control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of fluopyram foliar application programs for managing BLD.
• To determine optimal site conditions, product dosages, and application timing for fluopyram treatments.
• To provide guidance for implementing novel management strategies against BLD.

Main Methods:

• Conducted three sequential field trials investigating fluopyram treatments for BLD suppression.
• Varied parameters included site appropriateness, fluopyram dosage, and timing of foliar applications.
• Assessed the impact of treatments on Lcm populations and BLD symptom severity.

Main Results:

• Fluopyram-based programs demonstrated efficacy in suppressing BLD.
• Reduced fluopyram dosages achieved excellent control, indicating potential for cost-effective management.
• Site conditions are critical; dense beech forests may not benefit from this treatment approach.

Conclusions:

• Early summer foliar applications of fluopyram may be as or more effective than late-summer applications.
• Optimized fluopyram treatments offer a promising avenue for managing BLD.
• Further research and tailored implementation are needed to address the growing threat of BLD.