Recently took down a Hackberry that had all the classic signs of Dutch Elm Disease. Flagging of upper branches spreading to the overall crown. In just a few weeks this previously healthy specimen tree was dead. Found numerous European Bark Beetle egg and brood galleries with allignment parralell to the trees grain. My literature says Hackberry is immune to DED. Could the bark beetle have vectored another fungal poathogen similar in nature to the fungus that causes DED. Is my literature out of date, has anyone seen any Hackberry or other Elm sp. (Zelkova) die under similar circumstances? Does anyone know if Elm phloem necrosis atacks Hackberry or Zelkova. Customer wants very much to plant Zelkova but I'm thinking that perhaps something outside the Elm family would be a wiser choice. Any feedback would be greatly appericiated. Will be sending samples to local plant path lab.

Reply to post by Chuck Moriarty, on July 31, 2001 at 13:51:24:

Have you sent tissue for testing?
Was there any staining?

Reply to post by JPS, on July 31, 2001 at 13:51:24:

yes to both questions

Reply to post by Chuck Moriarty, on July 31, 2001 at 13:51:24:

Many years ago I examined a zelkova that was similarly riddled by European elm bark beetles, and had streaking of surface xylem. Cultures of bark appeared to be DED (not confirmed by a certified lab). I suspect the tree (street tree, about 7 inches diameter) was stressed, attacked by the beetles, and the poor condition resulted in aggressive colonization by the DED fungus. The bark beetle population itself was probably enough to cause rapid decline, though.

Reply to post by Chuck Moriarty, on August 01, 2001 at 19:55:45:

Been working on decline with Chinese hackberry (C. sinensis) for several years with many pathologists, horticulturists, soil scientists, etc. Crown symptoms are of wilt organism with brilliant staining of xylem throughout base of trunk and roots. Stained wood smells of rotting fish as well. Is this similar to what you see? I have loads of other info, but curious if what you see is similar. Any photos of wood?

Please send email, I dont check this board too regularly, even though this a.m. (2:45!) I have leared a heck of a lot (Thanks Russ!).

John