Researchers from Michigan Technology University and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry in Canada have teamed up to try to stop the spread of oak wilt, a fungal disease known for killing otherwise healthy trees, Michigan Tech reported.
The fungal disease has been observed in 24 states and had not been seen beyond Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota since it was discovered in the 1980s. However, in June 2023, oak wilt was confirmed for the first time in southern Ontario, Canada, according to Tara Bal, assistant professor for Michigan Tech. Researchers believe climate change is creating conditions that will enable the disease to continue to spread deeper into Canada and endanger more trees.
The fungal disease is known to spread with the help of sap beetles. Researchers are currently collaborating to conduct beetle identification training and creating prevention guidelines to fight the spread of the disease.
