Biology, Ecology, and Management of Laurel Wilt and the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle
Environmental Management, Forest Health, Forest Management, and Issues
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Laurel wilt is a lethal tree disease caused by a fungal pathogen (Raffaelea lauricola), which is a nutritional symbiont of a non-native wood-boring beetle (the redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus). The laurel wilt pathogen is carried and spread by the redbay ambrosia beetle, and host infections occur when the beetle attacks susceptible host trees.
Due to its widespread distribution and the high level of mortality that laurel wilt causes in forests and natural areas, understanding and effectively managing this disease is necessary to maintain the health of southeastern U.S. forests and the plants, animals, and humans that rely on them.
