Xylella Fastidiosa

In this post, we’ll go through detailed findings from four major studies to shed light on the extent of Xylella fastidiosa in DC. The research confirms the presence of the bacteria across multiple wards and emphasizes the need for continued management efforts.

Xylella fastidiosa is a bacteria that lives in the xylem, the part of the plant responsible for moving water. Once it infects a tree, it blocks water flow, causing symptoms like leaf browning, branch dieback, and premature leaf drop. Over time, this can kill the tree. It is spread mostly by xylem-feeding insects such as sharpshooters and leafhoppers.

Evidence of Xylella fastidiosa in District of Columbia

Let’s review the proof of Xylella fastidiosa in DC using four key studies:

Study 1: Bacterial Leaf Scorch of Elm on the National Mall (Sherald et al., 1994)

This study monitored 600 American elms along the National Mall from 1986 to 1992. Here’s what they found:

• In 1986, 21% of trees showed symptoms. By 1992, the total affected rose to 60%.
• Symptoms included leaf browning and crown dieback, increasing in severity over time.
• Trees with a trunk diameter of 20-30 cm were the most affected.
• The eastern part of the National Mall had higher infection rates.
• A positive correlation was found between rainfall and symptom severity.

Reference: Sherald, J. L., Patton, E. N., Stidham, T. M., & Favre, C. L. (1994). Journal of Arboriculture, 20(1), 18-23.

Study 2: Population Structure and Spread (Harris, 2014)

This research involved a detailed study of over 20 urban tree species in Washington D.C. between 2011 and 2012:

• The most affected trees were pin oaks, red oaks, American elms, and sycamores.
• ELISA and PCR tests confirmed Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex as the dominant strain.
• Five unique strains were found, showing species-specific infection.
• Asymptomatic trees tested positive, indicating silent spread.

Reference: Harris, J. L. (2014). Master’s Thesis, University of Maryland.

Study 3: BLS Distribution and Detection (Harris et al., 2014)

This study confirmed the spread of BLS in 95 sites around DC:

• Xylella fastidiosa was found in 88 of 95 sites.
• Over 340 trees sampled; 20 species included.
• PCR confirmed presence of Xylella in symptomatic and asymptomatic foliage.
• Most common strain was X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex.
• Strain types ALSI and ALSII detected, especially in red oaks and sycamores.

Reference: Harris, J. L., Di Bello, P. L., Lear, M., & Balci, Y. (2014). Plant Disease, 98(12), 1611–1618.

Study 4: Xylella in DC’s Urban Canopy (Harris et al., 2014)

A closer look into pathogen behavior and risks:

• 57% of 169 symptomatic trees tested positive.
• Strains found in asymptomatic trees show hidden spread.
• Subspecies sandyi was also found in mulberry trees.
• Infected trees showed severe crown dieback.
• Disease found in 7 out of 8 DC wards.

Reference: Same as Study 3 above.

Table: Summary of Xylella fastidiosa Studies in DC

Plant Diseases Caused by Xylella fastidiosa in DC

In the District of Columbia, the most common plant disease caused by Xylella fastidiosa is bacterial leaf scorch (BLS). It causes:

• Premature browning of leaves
• Dieback in tree branches
• Reduced canopy density
• Death in severe cases

Affected tree species include:

• Pin Oak
• Red Oak
• American Elm
• Sycamore
• Mulberry

Environmental Factors Affecting Spread

• Rainfall: Studies like Sherald et al. (1994) found a link between higher rainfall and higher symptom severity.
• Insect Vectors: Leafhoppers and sharpshooters carry the bacteria from tree to tree.
• Climate Stress: High temperatures and drought may increase infection severity.

Challenges in Management

There is no cure for bacterial leaf scorch. However, some methods may help:

• Oxytetracycline Injections: May reduce symptoms but not eliminate the bacteria.
• Pruning: Might help in early stages but ineffective for advanced infection.
• Tree Removal: Often necessary for severely infected trees.

Economic and Ecological Impact

The cost of removing and replacing infected urban trees can add up to millions of dollars. The visual and environmental loss also affects neighborhoods and public spaces. The presence of BLS in key species like red oaks and elms poses a serious risk to DC's urban forest.

Conclusion

The presence of Xylella fastidiosa in the District of Columbia is well-documented. Research confirms the spread of bacterial leaf scorch across many tree species and neighborhoods. As urban areas face challenges like climate change and pollution, managing tree health becomes more difficult.

Continued research, regular monitoring, and public awareness are key to slowing the spread of this pathogen and protecting DC's green infrastructure.

References

Sherald, J. L., Patton, E. N., Stidham, T. M., and Favre, C. L. 1994. "Incidence and Development of Bacterial Leaf Scorch of Elm on the National Mall." Journal of Arboriculture 20(1): 18-23.

Harris, J. L. 2014. "Epidemiology and Population Structure of Xylella fastidiosa, the Causal Agent of Bacterial Leaf Scorch, Among Urban Trees in the District of Columbia." Master’s Thesis, University of Maryland.

Harris, J. L., Di Bello, P. L., Lear, M., and Balci, Y. 2014. "Bacterial Leaf Scorch in the District of Columbia: Distribution, Host Range, and Presence of Xylella fastidiosa Among Urban Trees." Plant Disease 98(12): 1611–1618.