Central States
Forest Health Watch
Current forest health information for land managers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Missouri
January 14, 2015
This collaborative effort of the USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area, Missouri Department of
Conservation, and Indiana, Iowa and Illinois Departments of Natural Resources provides technical updates on
forest health issues of regional interest. Useful information can also be found in previous editions, which are
available on the www at http://na.fs.fed.us/fhp/fhw/.
Welcome to a new calendar year! Our goal for this communication is twice per year. It has been a long
stretch of time since the last edition of the CSFHW, so we’re giving you TWO feature topics this time. As
always, if you think of topics you’d like to hear (or share!) more about, let us know so that we can include
information in future editions.
Contents:
Important Regional Forest Health Issues (EAB, ALB, Gypsy Moth, and TCD) ……………….
Weather Overview…………………………………………..……………………………………
What Else is Being Reported around the Region …..….………………………………….…….
Other Issues outside the Region …………………………………………………………………
Other Resources and Sources of Information ………………………………………………..
Feature Topics:
Investigation of Rapid White Oak Mortality in Missouri, Iowa and Arkansas …..
Apps for Foresters ……………………………………………………………………..
Page 1
Page 6
Page 8
Page 8
Page 9
Page 9
Page 11
Important Regional Forest Health Issues
Nonnative insects and pathogens continue to be highly significant forest health issues in our region. In this
edition you will find updates on emerald ash borer, gypsy moth, Asian longhorned beetle, and thousand
cankers disease.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
All four of the Central States (Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa) are now wholly included in one large
federal quarantine area. Even when a State is fully under federal quarantine, individual states, such as Illinois
and Indiana, have separate state quarantine boundaries in place to try to slow the movement of EAB to
counties that are currently unaffected.
Illinois: The internal quarantine now encompasses 61 of Illinois’ 102 counties. EAB was confirmed in 14 new
Illinois counties in 2014, including 8 within the quarantine boundaries that were confirmed via EAB traps. In
addition, five that are located outside of the current state quarantine boundary were added. Twelve new
counties were added to the internal state quarantine in 2014, including seven counties where EAB was first
identified in 2014, and five “at risk” counties. For more information on EAB in Illinois, visit the Illinois
Department of Agriculture’s EAB page at http://www.agr.state.il.us/eab/
Indiana: As of January 6, only eight counties in the SW corner of Indiana are not yet under the internal
quarantine. For information on quarantine and reporting EAB in Indiana, see the Indiana DNR webpage at
http://www.in.gov/dnr/entomolo/3443.htm. For information on how to respond to EAB for your management
situation, see the Purdue University EAB page at: http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/EAB/
Iowa: Eighteen Iowa counties now have confirmed EAB infestations. Most recently, EAB was confirmed
killing ash trees in woodlands in southern Iowa counties. A statewide quarantine, issued in 2014, restricts the
1
movement of hardwood firewood, ash logs, wood chips and ash tree nursery stock out of Iowa into nonquarantined areas of other states. Iowans are urged to be vigilant in reporting suspicious symptoms in counties
that are not yet known to be infested.
Missouri: EAB was found in 2 more counties in 2014, bringing the total to 11. EAB populations are growing
in the Kansas City area, and have been confirmed in both Kansas and Missouri. The City of Kansas City, MO,
manages an aggressive response to EAB (http://kcparks.org/services/emerald-ash-borer/). EAB was also first
reported in the St. Louis area in May 2014. For more information about EAB in Missouri see
www.eab.missouri.edu. Efforts continued this year to establish biological controls for EAB, with releases of
stingless parasitic wasps in Platte County. Releases also occurred in Wayne County in 2012 and 2013. More
information about EAB biological control is available at: www.emeraldashborer.info.
We urge people to be vigilant in reporting suspicious symptoms in counties that are not yet known to be
infested by EAB, because awareness of the presence of EAB signals a need for landowners to adjust their
management from preemptive to responsive activities. Preemptive strategies would include survey and
diversification of tree species. Responsive activities would include protective injections with insecticides and
salvage harvests. If a landowner is interested in protecting a valuable and healthy ash tree within 15 miles of a
known infestation, the next window for preventive treatment measures (trunk injection, soil injection, soil
drench, or basal trunk sprays) will open early spring 2015 (mid-April to mid- May).
2
Woodpecker-flecking is a highly visible indicator of insect presence. If you are seeing a lot of woodpecker
activity (e.g. the bark pecked off sections of the stem) in the upper crowns of ash trees, it warrants a closer
look to see if EAB is present.
Even when a county or State is under quarantine, it does not necessarily mean that the entire area is infested by
EAB. Movement of infested material can enhance the dispersal of EAB, as our vehicles can carry these pests
much farther and faster than they disperse on their own. Avoid transporting firewood across county or state
lines, since the movement of firewood throughout your own or to other states poses a threat to quickly spread
EAB and other plant pests.
One recent twist of EAB events was the discovery by Don Cipollini, a professor at Wright State University in
Ohio, of EAB attacking white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus). The populations of EAB on ash were high
at all four locations where this has been observed so far. White fringetree is a small tree native to the
southeastern US. Like ash, it is a member of the olive (Oleaceae) family. (source:
http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/eab/Fringe_Tree_Briefing_101414.pdf)
Asian Longhorned Beetle in Bethel, Ohio
The number of infested trees in the Clermont County (Ohio) infestation continues to increase. For 2014
(ending Dec 13), 4,617 infested trees have been found, a significant increase from the 1,660 infested trees
found during 2013. The grand total is 15,533 infested trees since 2011. The good news is that the quarantine
area has not expanded this year – still at 61 square miles. High-risk host trees are being removed (23,996
during 2014) or injected with an insecticide (13,173 during 2014). Eradication is still the goal.
Early detection of a new ALB infestation is important to quickly contain and reduce the loss of infested trees
during the eradication efforts. Now (with leaf off) is a good time to have a quick look at the upper canopy of
maple trees for signs of ALB (e.g. large exit holes). Another check in July/August for adult beetles is also
recommended.
Gypsy Moth (GM) Activities – Summer 2014 treatments, trap catches
We continue to have three levels of gypsy moth treatment activity in our Central States:
 In areas without known populations of gypsy moth, detection traps are placed in strategic locations, and if
trapping results detect an area of concern, delimit traps are placed the following year. If an outlying
population is detected, eradication treatments will be applied to try to extirpate that population. Missouri
falls in this category, as occasional male moths are captured.
 In areas with high levels of established gypsy moth, generally the only activity is some suppression
treatment to try to minimize the impact of defoliation. This is the situation in parts of northeast Illinois
where gypsy moth has been present for some time.
 The area in between is the “Slow the Spread” (STS) zone, where reducing the numbers of moths in
strategic “hot spots” can significantly slow the natural expansion of gypsy moth. An intensive grid of traps
helps define the location of these building gypsy moth populations, and the data from the traps is used to
define the “Action Zone boundaries”, as shown on the map below. In 2014, Central States in which STS
treatments took place were Indiana and Illinois.
The extremely low temperatures in winter 2013-14 may have affected the overwintering population
of gypsy moth in the northern Midwest (e.g. Minnesota and Wisconsin, perhaps even Iowa);
however, Indiana’s 2014 moth catch does not indicate that any effects on gypsy moth survival
extended down to the southern extent of our populations.
The following map also shows the relative moth catches in traps in 2014, with brighter pink/magenta
indicating high numbers of moths, and bluish tones indicating building populations. The 2014 Action Zone
and Treatments are also shown on the map. The 2014 moth catch numbers was used to define the 2015 Action
Zone (not shown on the map), which has shifted very little since 2014. Based on 2014 trapping results, STS
treatments for 2015 are being proposed in the Central States of Illinois and Indiana. For customized maps and
3
details on past and proposed STS treatments, visit the STS Decision Support website at
http://skynet.ento.vt.edu/da/da.htm.
Additional state-specific information on 2014 treatments is in the table.
States without established populations:
Treatment Activities
Iowa
Missouri
No STS treatments were needed for
2014. Also no STS treatments are
planned for 2015 due to the low trap
catch during 2014.
No gypsy moth populations are known
to be established in Missouri.
Trapping Activities
Gypsy moth detection traps are placed across the State in a joint effort by state
and federal agencies. Iowa captured only 46 male moths during 2014, which is
lower than the 269 male moths from last year, & 225 male moths in 2012
A total of 7,702 pheromone traps were monitored in 62 counties in 2014
through a cooperative effort of state and federal agencies. A total of four male
moths were captured statewide in the annual survey (3 in St. Louis Co., and 1 in
Camden Co.). Annual traps catches have been less than 10 moths since 2009.
States with established populations:
Illinois
Indiana
Treatment Activities
Trapping Activities
STS treatments during 2014 consisted of 9 mating disruption sites
(approximately 26,000 acres). For 2015, 5 treatment areas
proposed, totaling about 10,000 acres (~2500 Btk, ~7500 mating
disruption). Due to STS work and weather, the range of gypsy
moth has contracted each year over the last few years.
STS treatments during 2014 included 3 Btk sites (1182 acres) and
2 Mating Disruption sites (10,718 acres). Also 1 eradication site
in West Lafayette was treated with Btk (29 acres) and Mating
Disruption (750 acres). The STS Project has held the average
spread rate to -0.6 miles/yr over the last 4 years.
For 2014, IL Department of Agriculture and APHIS
placed 9,073 traps and caught 5,223 moths. This is a
small decrease from 5,453 in 2013.
4
Trapping continued in the STS area and the uninfested
area of the state, with 11,427 traps set & 22,875 moths
caught, which is almost double the moths caught
during 2013. STS treatment sites and acres for 2015
will be greater than in 2014, but no eradication sites.
Thousand Cankers Disease of Black Walnut
National update, from FHTET Pest Portal*:
Thousand cankers disease (TCD) results from the combined activity of the walnut twig beetle (WTB),
(Pityophthorus juglandis) tunneling through the bark and delivering a canker-causing fungus (Geosmithia
morbida) which can cause mortality, primarily in eastern black walnut (Juglans nigra). Eastern black walnut is
an economically important hardwood species.
On October 8, 2014, the Maryland Department of Agriculture announced the confirmation of TCD on black
walnut in Cecil County, Maryland. Two bait logs from one positive trap site collected on September 4, 2014,
were confirmed positive by Jennifer Juzwik of the U.S. Forest Service on October 6, 2014. Follow-up DNA
sequencing confirmed identity of isolates obtained from beetles in the galleries of two logs. In 2014, two
additional counties (Chester and Lancaster) in Pennsylvania were also confirmed to have TCD, and the
quarantine was extended to include six counties.
The new MD finding brings the total number of states with confirmed with TCD to 16: Arkansas, California,
Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania,
Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. There are currently 16 states with phytosanitary quarantines in
place, six of which are both internal and external regulations. States with external quarantines include:
Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and West
Virginia. States with both internal and external quarantines include: Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia. Annual TCD Surveys are wrapping up for 2014, in the eastern US, as
the dispersal season comes to a close.
At the end of 2013, TCD was reported for the first time in Italy on a small number of J. nigra trees. This
disease may present a risk since walnut (Juglans spp.) is widely grown in Europe. The European and
Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) Secretariat decided to add G. morbida and its vector, P.
juglandis, to the EPPO Alert List.
* This update was originally written October 24, 2014, by Dr. Bruce Moltzan of the USDA Forest Service. Dr. Jennifer
Juzwik and Manfred Mielke provided supplemental information in January 2015. To find current updates on other pests of
national importance, visit the FHTET Pest Portal at http://foresthealth.fs.usda.gov/portal#
5
What’s up with TCD in the Central States:
In the eastern US, TCD has now been found in six states, plus the pathogen has been found (without WTB) in
Indiana. Infestations discovered in the East generally have been present for many years prior to discovery, and
they are limited in distribution. TCD isn’t racing across the landscape like EAB, but we are still very
intentional in our efforts to determine where TCD is present. In 2014, all four Central States again conducted
surveys to detect existing infestations, and none were found.
Most detection efforts for TCD are based either on visual surveys for symptomatic walnut trees or pheromone
traps using a lure for WTB. A trap tree survey, in which black walnut trees were intentionally stressed in order
to attract beetles, was conducted across 27 sites in Indiana and Missouri in 2011. No WTB were detected in
these stressed trees, but many other bark beetles, ambrosia beetles, and weevils were captured and identified.
A subset of the captured insects was assayed for Geosmithia morbida. DNA of G. morbida was detected on
three specimens of a weevil, Stenomimus pallidus, from a study site in Brown County, IN. This study by Dr.
Jennifer Juzwik and others will be published in Plant Health Progress (an e- journal of the Plant Management
Network) in January 2015.
In response to this finding of G. morbida, additional specimens of S. pallidus from other study sites in Indiana
were assayed, as well as additional ambrosia beetle specimens from the Brown County site. No other beetles
yielded the pathogen. The nearest known location of TCD to this Brown County, IN, site is Butler County,
OH, approximately 100 miles away. The plantation in Yellowwood State Forest was placed under quarantine
and additional surveys are being conducted.
This study was the first report of G. morbida from an insect other than WTB. The low frequency of occurrence
of the pathogen on S. pallidus suggests a casual (not dependent) relationship, compared to studies where G.
morbida has been detected on 100% of WTB emerging from symptomatic trees. The initial interpretations of
this study, based on the behavior and characteristics of S. pallidus, is that this particular weevil is unlikely to
be capable of causing mass inoculation needed for TCD development.
In another recently released study on G. morbida (http://scienceblog.com/75339/fungus-behind-deadlydisease-walnut-trees-mutates-easily-complicating-control/#fzAtbBmkIqwdRBIt.97), Dr. Keith Woeste and
other researchers analyzed the genetic diversity of the pathogen from populations across the US. They
confirmed that G. morbida is native to the US, and that the disease likely originated in Southern California.
They found the pathogen to be highly variable, indicating it may have high capacity to mutate and evolve.
A third piece of recent TCD literature, an open access article in Forest Pathology
(http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/efp.12154/full) by Dr. Gary Griffin, documents the development
of TCD on diseased black walnut trees in Knoxville, TN, and Richmond, VA, over a period of three years.
They found only moderate to quiescent (stable) disease progression on most individual affected trees over a 3year period, and that the most accelerated disease progression occurred under conditions of low precipitation
and low soil moisture. Their observations so far suggest that abiotic stressors (extreme weather, poor site
conditions, etc.) may be necessary to initiate TCD symptoms, and that under good growing conditions,
affected eastern black walnut trees may exhibit recovery.
These various studies and observations underscore how many aspects of TCD are really not yet fully
understood. As we continue to gather information, it is prudent for us to be cautious when we move around
plant material (logs, wood burls, and firewood) that might contain the potential pathogen and insect(s) that can
cause TCD, and to do our best to manage our walnut resource for health and diversity.
Weather Overview
In the ongoing saga of weather effects on trees, our December 2013 edition left you with trees going into
dormancy under moisture stress. At that point in time, we were blissfully unaware that we were about to
plunge into the “polar vortex”, which allowed frigid air to reach down into the central plains in December
2013 and then again during January to April 2014. The extended cold led to speculation about the effects of
6
cold on overwintering survival of EAB, but it is worth noting that although the bitter cold may have reduced
EAB populations in the far north, these effects did not extend down into the Central States.
The long, cold winter of 2013-14 did eventually give way to summer. In the
Central States this summer was cooler than average, generally with adequate
moisture. It was a good year for plant growth, and also a good year for fungal
growth, allowing leaf diseases to thrive.
Autumn progressed fairly normally until November. However, in early
November, Pacific Ocean superstorm Nuri nudged the jet stream in such a way
that cold air pushed much farther south into the Central States than we would
normally expect for this time of year. By mid-December, temperatures were
pushing back to near or above normal. As we entered this winter, we expected a
weak to moderate El Nino year*, which could have given the Central States
generally warmer than usual temperatures and less frequent heavy snow. I’m
hopeful that we might still experience a fairly mild winter.
*Based on information from the Midwest Regional Climate Center. The
graphics below and to the right are also compiled with data from MRCC.
7
November Polar Plunge
What else is being reported across the Region
Periodical Cicadas. Brood III (the Iowan brood) of periodical cicadas emerged across southeast Iowa, west
central Illinois, and the top edge of Missouri in June 2014, and then disappeared as heavy rains moved in.
This brood of 17-year-cicadas should not emerge in high numbers again until 2031. Brood IV (the Kansan
brood) is due to emerge in southwestern Iowa as well as Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas in 2015. Periodical
cicadas spend most of their 13 or 17 year lifecycles underground, feeding on roots. The highly synchronized
emergence of broods of adults is amazing to behold. Adult feeding and oviposition on twigs can cause death of
shoots and twigs of trees, leading to “flagging”. To learn more about this insect and the distribution of the
various broods, check out the website www.magicicada.org
Bur Oak Blight (BOB): Caused by Tubakia iowensis, this recently discovered native disease causes late
season defoliation of bur oak. Repeated defoliation can lead to decline and death of affected bur oak. We
believe a series of wet springs (beyond historic norm) have enabled this pathogen to build up to damaging
levels. We continue to be interested in defining the distribution of pathogen. Research on BOB is ongoing by
scientists in the lab of Dr. Tom Harrington at Iowa State University.
http://www.public.iastate.edu/~tcharrin/BOB.html
Other Issues outside the Region
Spotted Lantern Fly (Lycorma delicata) is a large Asian planthopper that was first detected in September
2014 in Pennsylvania. The nymphs and adults of this insect feed by sucking sap from a variety of host plants,
including Tree of Heaven and many other tree species. The adults lay eggs in the fall on smooth-trunked trees,
but also on manmade items such as vehicles, yard furniture, and landscaping materials, which can be moved
inadvertently for long distances. These insects pose a significant threat to agriculture and forest resources, so
efforts are underway to delimit the extent of distribution and determine an appropriate response. Currently a
local quarantine is in place for two townships in Berks County, PA. More information is available from the
following web resources:
http://entomologytoday.org/2014/12/04/the-spotted-lanternfly-an-invasive-insect-that-is-beautiful-but-threatening/;
http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_6_2_24476_10297_0_43/AgWebsite/ProgramDetai
l.aspx?name=Spotted-Lanternfly&navid=12&parentnavid=0&palid=150&
Laurel wilt on redbay, avocado, and other plants in the family Lauraceae may become an issue extending
beyond the Southeastern US. Laurel wilt, caused by Raffaelea lauricola, is vectored by an exotic ambrosia
beetle, Xyleborinus glabratus, and has become a major ecological and economic concern. A recent paper in
Plant Pathology by Carrillo et al. (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ppa.12073/abstract)
demonstrated that several other ambrosia beetle species in Florida have been able to pick up R. lauricola, and
at least some can transmit the disease to healthy redbay and avocado trees. Some of these ambrosia beetle
species occur in Missouri and our other Central States. Eventually, this could put many of our native laurel
species at risk, including sassafras, spice bush, pondberry, and pondspice.
Asian gypsy moth (AGM) is not known to be established in the United States, but we vigilantly monitor for it
to detect any potential introductions. Unlike European gypsy moth, the AGM females are strong fliers, and it
has a very broad host range. The most recent AGM detection occurred in 2013 when a single male AGM was
caught in a survey trap in Pittsburg County, OK. Trapping in 2014 failed to detect any further moths;
additional trapping will be conducted in 2015. Multiple introductions of AGM have occurred to the US over
the years, particularly at port cities, and have been successfully eradicated prior to establishment. This most
recent incident underscores our need to continue to be aware of potential introductions.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/plant_health/content/printable_version/fs_phasiangm.pdf
8
Other Resources and Sources of Information
FHP Mapping and Reporting Portal. The US Forest Service has recently revamped their forest insect and
disease reporting portal. They have added “headline stories” that provide updates on emerging national forest
health issues. The website has applications to access a myriad of state, county and local level forest insect and
disease conditions data. In addition they offer near real time forest disturbance information collected from
space. Data input applications are restricted to cooperators with specific training and expertise, which protects
the integrity of the data. This is an evolving resource, but there is some great stuff here. Check it out at:
http://foresthealth.fs.usda.gov/portal/#
Emerald Ash Borer University Spring 2015 Webinar Series, February — April 2015
Once again, a line-up of informative and educational webinars has been developed that target EAB, as well as
other pest and disease threats to our forests and trees. These live sessions will provide an opportunity for
participants to ask questions of the session presenter and moderators. If you have questions, contact Robin
Usborne with MSU at robinu1@cns.msu.edu. Please join us on these dates to learn more:
Asian Longhorned Beetle: Update from Ohio – Thursday, February 19, at 11am ET
Joe Boggs, Ohio State University Cooperative Extension
Emerald Ash Borer's Latest Victim: White Fringe Tree – Thursday, February 26, at 11am ET
Don Cipollini, Wright State University
2015 EAB Toolkit Update and the Best of EAB University – Thursday, March 12, at 11am ET
Cliff Sadof, Purdue University
Developing EAB and Ash Management Plans for PA – Thursday, March 19, at 11am ET
Donald A. Eggen, Forest Health Manager, Pennsylvania DCNR, Bureau of Forestry
Invasive Species? We have an APP for THAT!! – Thursday, April 9, at 11am ET
Joe LaForest, IPM and Forest Health Coordinator, University of Georgia
See more at: http://www.emeraldashborer.info/eab_university.cfm#sthash.pCOLKOE6.dpuf
Extension Plant Clinics are also a diagnostic resource in your state. Websites for the respective clinics are:
Iowa State University Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic: http://www.ent.iastate.edu/pidc/
University of Missouri Plant Diagnostic Clinic: http://plantclinic.missouri.edu/
Purdue University Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab: http://www.ppdl.purdue.edu/PPDL/
University of Illinois Plant Clinic: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/plantclinic/
Within Illinois, the Morton Arboretum also provides Diagnostic Lab Services on the same fee schedule as the
University of Illinois: http://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/plant-clinic
Feature Topic #1: Investigation of Rapid White Oak Mortality in Missouri, Iowa and
Arkansas
By Sharon Reed, Research Scientist, University of Missouri’s Plant Sciences Division, and Simeon Wright,
Missouri Department of Conservation
As first reported in the August 2012 CSFHW, elevated white oak mortality has been occurring in Missouri
since summer 2011, especially in east central and southeast portions of the state. Similar mortality has been
reported in southeast Iowa. This ongoing phenomenon is different from previously reported oak decline
patterns. Mortality appears to be very rapid and to primarily affect white oak on high quality sites.
Consequently, the phenomenon has been described as rapid white oak mortality (RWOM) to separate it from
other oak decline patterns. As of summer 2014, 2.6 million board feet of affected timber had been salvaged in
Missouri from lands managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the privately held
Pioneer Forest in southeast Missouri. Many more affected trees are too small, in areas too remote for salvage,
or were salvaged on private land without MDC involvement. RWOM is also occurring on Mark Twain
National Forest lands.
9
The USDA Forest Service Forest Health Protection Evaluation Monitoring program and the Missouri
Department of Conservation provided funds to a team of University of Missouri researchers for a 1-year study
to describe the extent of RWOM within the Ozark and Forest- Prairie Transition regions of Missouri, Arkansas
and Iowa and to identify associated pathogens and insects. This team is composed of Dr. Sharon Reed, Dr. Jim
English, Dr. Rose-Marie Muzika and Dr. John Kabrick (USDA-Forest Service). To describe RWOM in the
region, researchers worked with state and federal agencies in Arkansas, Iowa, and Missouri to develop and
distribute survey forms for completion by professional foresters and landowners. They also carried out a
detailed investigation of pathogens and insects associated with declining and dead white oaks at Mark Twain
National Forest’s (MTNF) Potosi ranger district and Sunklands Conservation Area (CA) in the Missouri
Ozarks. Researchers were particularly interested in the distribution of the soil borne pathogen, Phytophthora
cinnamomi which has been associated with white oak mortality in Ohio and other eastern states.
RWOM Survey
RWOM survey forms were completed for 87 locations. Areas most often reported included southeastern Iowa
and Missouri and north central Arkansas. Quercus alba mortality was most often reported on upper slopes and
ridges in Arkansas, on lower and upper slopes in Iowa, and on lower slopes in Missouri. In Missouri, Q. alba
mortality was also reported frequently in the bottom of valleys with seasonal and ephemeral drainages.
RWOM was often reported in stands dominated by white and red oak species, white oak and other non-listed
species, or solely white oak. Not all Q. alba trees showed decline symptoms at the reported sites. Foresters
reported that 25% or more of Q. alba trees showed no symptoms at the majority of survey sites and nearly
70% of landowners reported many but not all Q. alba trees affected. Mortality of Q. stellata trees and trees in
the red oak group were also frequently reported. Trees of all sizes were affected by RWOM but dominant and
co-dominant Q. alba trees were affected at more of the reported locations. Specific symptoms reported by
foresters suggest insect attack and water stress due to root rot or drought. Foresters also reported on the recent
history of RWOM affected sites. The majority of the affected stands had been subjected to severe drought,
excessive precipitation/flooding, and severe frost since 2005. A small percentage of reported stands had
undergone timber stand improvement or experienced a moderate to severe burn in the past ten years. Few
stands were thought to have been exposed to major insect defoliation prior to 2014 or to have had significant
jumping oak gall damage.
Pathogens and Insects Associated with Mortality
Thirty-nine 0.08 hectare plots were placed at MTNF and 41 at Sunklands CA. The vigor of tree crowns within
the plots was assessed and canopies in plots categorized as high, medium, or low vigor. Low vigor plots were
almost always in the valley bottom or foot/toe slopes. Q. alba mortality was as great as 60% in the valley
bottoms and decreased to as low as 9% on the upper backslopes. Mortality of red oak species followed the
same pattern at Sunklands CA with 46% mortality in the valley bottom. Far less red oak mortality was
observed at MTNF and the percent mortality was similar regardless of slope position. Phytophthora
cinnamomi was isolated from soils taken from both Sunklands CA and MTNF and in low and high vigor plots.
Armillaria and Biscogniauxia (Hypoxylon) were also associated with dead Q. alba trees at both locations.
Armillaria isolates are being identified to determine if the more pathogenic species, A. mellea, is present.
Agrilus bilineatus was associated with declining trees at MTNF while an ambrosia beetle, Xyleborinus
gracilis, was associated with declining trees at Sunklands CA. Fungi have been isolated from X. gracilis adults
and are being identified. Tree ring data is being collected and will be analyzed this winter.
White Oak Decline in Ohio
RWOM shares some similarities with a decline of white oaks reported in Ohio between 2003 and 2008 (Nagle
et al. 2010). RWOM and white oak decline in Ohio are most severe in valley bottoms and on lower slopes and
both events were preceded by drought and abnormally wet years. P. cinnamomi was associated with white oak
decline in Ohio and was confirmed at both of the RWOM-affected stands that were studied in Missouri.
RWOM and white oak decline in Ohio are also dissimilar. Successive years of insect defoliation are known to
have occurred at Ohio sites whereas insect defoliation of Q. alba trees has been reported infrequently in
Missouri during the past 15 years. In addition, soils and climate are different between the two affected areas.
Nagle et al. 2010 suggest P. cinnamomi is a contributing factor to white oak decline in Ohio and they
demonstrated greater susceptibility of white oak seedlings to damage from P. cinnamomi after flooding soils in
10
the greenhouse. Mortality patterns and preceding weather events in both Ohio and Missouri match those
known to favor P. cinnamomi reproduction and root infection for other species, such as chestnut in the SE US.
The distribution of P. cinnamomi in Missouri and adjacent states has not been studied, especially in areas with
and without RWOM symptoms. More work also needs to be done to determine the relative significance of
other factors including weather events, site conditions, X. gracilus and other insects.
Nagle, A. M., Long, R. P., Madden, L. V., and Bonello, P. 2010. Association of Phytophthora
cinnamomi with white oak decline in southern Ohio. Plant Dis. 94:1026-1034.
Feature Topic #2: Apps for Foresters
Compiled by Jill Johnson, Midwest Urban Forestry Coordinator
Apps for Foresters
The list below provides information and links to some of the free or low-cost (<$20.00) apps that may be
useful for foresters. This is not an all-inclusive list. It was developed through internet searches and
interviews of colleagues. Most descriptions are quoted from the developer’s website.
Before purchasing or downloading apps, please check operating system and device requirements. Some
apps only work if the mobile device has certain equipment or features.
Your opinions about apps on this list as well as additions are most welcome. Please email Jill Johnson at
jilljohnson@fs.fed.us.
Android
iOS
Service Forester's Toolkit
This app is a quick-reference for basic forest, land, and tree measurements, volume
tables, site index charts, and more. It includes calculators to determine basal area,
stand density, and more.
in the
works
$0 - free
Society of American Foresters Field Forestry Calculator
Provides instant access to common forestry formulas including interest calculations,
basal area, growth percentage, relative spacing, log scales, acres/hectare conversions,
and more.
Bosch Unit Converter
This app turns a smartphone into a universal unit converter for over 50 units. Available
in the app stores alone or as part of larger toolbox.
$4.99 or
$9.99
$4.99 or
$9.99
$0 - free
$0 - free
$0 - free
$0 - free
APP NAME AND CATEGORY
CALCULATION
DATA COLLECTION
Plot Hound
Collects cruise data (including optional GPS) that then can be synced to a web program
that runs reports. Sign up for a free account on the developer's website before
downloading the app.
MOTI
Android application specifically designed for forestry professionals to capture variables
such as basal area, number of trees per ha, tree height and stock.
Cruise Angle iCMT
Turns iOS device into an angle gauge for selecting sample trees for timber cruising.
11
$0 - free
$9.99
Urban Tree Health/Risk Assessment
Quickly record observations and interpretations on the health and risk assessment of
an urban tree. Data can then be exported into a spreadsheet.
$0 - free
ODK Open Data Kit
$0 - free
Creates customized smartphone apps for user-defined data collection needs on
Android devices.
EpiCollect
$0 - free
Website and mobile app for the generation of forms and freely hosted project websites
for data collection. Data can be collected (including GPS and media) using multiple
phones, and all data can be viewed on a central project website.
$0 - free
FOREST AND TREE HEALTH
Forest Insect Pests
Photos are intended to help foresters, urban landscapers, and others working with
trees to recognize some of the common pest insects affecting trees in North America
and understand their life cycles and how they damage trees.
Purdue Tree Doctor
Helps users identify more than 175 tree problems on more than 60 types of trees
common to the Midwest and Northeast United States, and find recommendations to
manage them properly.
Tree Fungi ID
This app is based on the fungi directory at www.arbtalk.co.uk, including common fungi
that arborists are likely to come across in the field, plus many more.
$0 - free
$0 - free
$1.99
$1.99
$4.99
$4.99
Midwest Invasive Species Information Network
Provides a way to capture and submit species observations from the field. Identify and
report 300+ invasive plant and animal species.
Great Lakes Early Detection Network
Collects invasive species reports from casual observers, verifies these reports, and
integrates them with others networks including the EDDMapS database.
$0 - free
$0 - free
$0 - free
$0 - free
What's Invasive!
Displays local lists of top invasive plants and/or animals (with images and short
descriptions). If one is observed, click the species name to send the GPS location to the
experts. Optionally, add a photo and text notes.
$0 - free
$0 - free
Landscape Alternatives for Invasive Plants of the Midwest
Focuses on plant species that are used ornamentally and have become invasive in at
least part of the Midwest. Suggested alternatives include both native species and nonnative species that show no signs of becoming invasive.
$0 - free
$0 - free
$0 - free
$0 - free
INVASIVE SPECIES
MAPPING
ArcGIS
Create, store, manage, and share maps, apps, and data. Access maps shared by other
GIS users. First create a free account at
http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcgisonline/features/free-personal-account.
GPS Essentials
GPS tool for Android devices. Navigates, manages waypoints, and tracks locations and
routes.
Motion X GPS
Mapping app that allows off-line data collection; no data plan or wi-fi needed.
12
$0 - free
$0.99
Gaia GPS
Provides offline maps and GPS tools.
$19.99
DMS Converter
Get GPS coordinates in multiple formats and convert between Decimal Degrees and
Degrees/Minutes/Seconds (Dº M' S") notation.
Avenza PDF Maps
This app is a geospatial PDF, GeoPDF® and GeoTIFF reader. Easily search for and
browse thousands of professionally made maps available in the PDF Maps Store.
Interact with spatially referenced maps to view your location, record GPS tracks, add
placemarks, and find places.
Compass
There are many free compass apps available. Search the app store.
$19.99
$0 - free
$0 - free
$0 - free
$0 - free
$0 - free
Theodolite
This multi-function app overlays real time information about position, altitude,
bearing, range, and inclination on the device's live camera image, like an electronic
viewfinder.
$3.99
MEASUREMENT
iBitterlich
Measure stand basal area using Bitterlich's method on iOS devices. Helps estimate
forest stand volume, biomass, and carbon stocks.
Bitterlich Relascope
Estimate the basal area of forest stands.
$0 - free
$0 - free
iHypsometer Lite
Measure tree or another object's height on an iOS device.
aHypsometer Lite
Measure tree or another object's height on an Android device.
$0 - free
$0 - free
Smart Measure
This rangefinder measures the distance and height of a target.
$0 - free
Measure Map Lite and Measure Map
Measures distances, perimeters and areas. Restriction for lite version: Users can only
create one polygon with a maximum number of 6 pins.
iFOVEA Counter
Count the logs in a wood pile within a few seconds using camera recognition.
$0 - free
or $1.99
$0 - free
or $1.99
$0 - free
TREE IDENTIFICATION
vTree
This app is based on the award winning Virginia Tech digital dendrology material. It
contains fact sheets for 969 North American woody plants with an in-depth
description, range map, and thousands of color images. Users can narrow the species
list for any location using the phone's GPS, address, or zip code.
Leaf Snap
This app uses visual recognition software to identify tree species from photographs of
their leaves. It contains high-resolution images of leaves, flowers, fruits, petioles, seeds
and bark. NOTE: Currently includes trees of the Northeast United States, but it will
soon include the entire continental U.S.
13
$0 - free
$0 - free
$0 - free
Dirr's Tree and Shrub Finder
Based on The Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, this app covers 1670 species and
7800 cultivars, with high-quality plant images. The app is helpful for tree ID and finding
plants for specific sites and purposes.
Plant-o-Matic
BIEN, the Botanical Information and Ecology Network, developed this app which will
generate a list of plant species at 100 sq. km resolution for any location in the
Americas. Pictures and information help identify and learn about each species.
$14.99
in the
works
$0 - free
$0 - free
$0 - free
WATER AND SOIL FEATURES
SoilWeb
Access USDA NRCS digital soil survey data.
River Data
Monitor the real-time USGS river gauges in the Unites States.
Flood Watch
Monitor river height, rainfall totals, and flood conditions in the surrounding area.
River Flows
View data from river gauge sites using an Android device.
$1.99
$0 - free
$0 - free
SOURCES:
Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program, (Mostly) Free Apps for Foresters and Landowners
https://forestupdate.frec.vt.edu/resources/apps/index.html
Emilio Bruna lab, Smartphone Apps for Field Biologists
http://brunalab.org/apps/
Eric North, Research Fellow, University of Minnesota
Dudley Hartel, Center Manager of Urban Forestry South, U.S. Forest Service
Tivon Feeley, Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
This newsletter is also available on the WWW at:
http://na.fs.fed.us/fhp/fhw/
For More Information:
Indiana
Northeastern Area
14
Forest Health Protection
USDA Forest Service
1992 Folwell Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108
(651) 649-5029
lhaugen@fs.fed.us