Pine wilt is a devastating tree disease affecting many non-native pines in Oklahoma, particularly in residential areas through the I-35 corridor and eastward. The disease can kill trees in as little as three weeks.

Pine wilt is a lethal disease caused by a native nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), vectored to trees by a wood borer insect–the pine sawyer beetle (Monochamus spp.). Exotic pines including Scots, Austrian, and mugo are susceptible to infection by the nematode.

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Laboratory tests are required to confirm its presence. Pine wilt disease causes rapid wilting and death on non-native pines. Symptoms are often first expressed in early summer but can occur throughout the growing season.

Pine wilt is a dramatic disease that typically kills affected trees within a few weeks to a few months (Figure 1). The causal pathogen is the pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Most plant-parasitic nematodes are associated with plant roots, but the pine wood nematode is found in aboveground parts of the tree.

Early symptoms of pine wilt are often inconspicuous or slight, giving way to a rapid decline. The first visible symptoms usually include fading green color and/or slight yellowing of limbs. This may be evident on one or a few branches or may develop on all simultaneously.

Pine wilt is a complex disease caused by nematodes that are transmitted to the trunk and branches by pine sawyer beetles. A fungus associated with wilting may also be involved in this disease. The nematodes make their way to the vascular tissue through feeding wounds or by following tunnels formed by pine sawyer beetle larvae.

Pine wilt disease is caused by tiny worms called pinewood nematodes and beetles called sawyers that work together resulting in a disease that rapidly discolors and kills pine trees. Pine wilt disease impacts mostly non-native pines, including Austrian, Japanese black, Japanese red, …

Pine wilt is most common in the fall when the needles of the entire tree begin to turn light green or brown. Within 1-3 months, the trees are usually dead and brittle. The disease is spread by the pine sawyer beetle, genus Monochamus, which lays eggs in the dying or dead tree.

Scots pine, 10 to 12 years old, dying from pine wilt. The diseased tree at right shows more advanced needle browning than the diseased tree at left, whose needles are still primarily green but faded in color. Pine wilt typically kills Scots pine …