Treesearch
Striking gold in southern California: discovery of the goldspotted oak borer and its central role in oak mortality
| Authors: | Tom W. Coleman, Steve J. Seybold |
| Year: | 2009 |
| Type: | Other |
| Station: | Northern Research Station |
| Source: | In: McManus, Katherine A; Gottschalk, Kurt W., eds. Proceedings. 20th U.S. Department of Agriculture interagency research forum on invasive species 2009; 2009 January 13-16; Annapolis, MD. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-51. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 12-16. |
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Abstract
Since 2002, aerial survey data have revealed extensive oak mortality on Federal, State, tribal, and private lands in San Diego County, California. About 17,000 coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia), California black oaks (Q. kelloggii), and canyon live oaks (Q. chrysolepis) have died in a 1,200 km2 area centered on the Descanso Ranger District of Cleveland National Forest, and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Drought was considered the principal cause of this tree mortality for many years, and various pathogens have been suspected but never confirmed. In June 2008, the goldspotted oak borer, Agrilus coxalis Waterhouse (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), was identified as the primary cause of this oak mortality.
Parent Publication
- Proceedings. 20th U.S. Department of Agriculture interagency research forum on invasive species 2009