What is the Beech Leaf Disease Monitoring Network
The Invasive Species Centre is partnering with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Science and Research to expand our community science program to include a new species!
Beech leaf disease is a relatively new invasive species in Ontario and appears to be caused by a newly described species of nematode. Scientists have been working to understand more about this species since its detection and need your help!
Since this tree disease is spreading so rapidly, it can be hard for a small group to keep track of! With the eyes of community scientists on the ground helping to give us a better picture of where beech leaf disease is moving, how it is moving, and what we can do to stop or slow the spread.
Being a community scientist means:
- Actively monitoring beech trees in your yard and neighbourhood for signs of decline,
- Knowing what the signs and symptoms of beech leaf disease look like (or knowing where you can refer to!)
- Report! Reports of beech leaf disease made through the Early Detection Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS) are sent directly to Ontario’s beech leaf disease researchers!
On this page:
About beech leaf disease
What is beech leaf disease?
As the name suggests, beech leaf disease is a disease of beech tree leaves that is associated with a newly described small, worm-like nematode, Litylenchus crenatae ssp. Symptoms include:
- swelling and darkening of leaf tissue between veins resulting in the leaves looking visually striped
- yellowing of leaves
- tissue necrosis
- leaf curling (in later stages)
Where is beech leaf disease?
One of the major concerns with BLD is the rapid rate of spread observed. One of the main objectives of this program is to have more eyes on the ground reporting symptomatic trees so we can have a better understanding of spread dynamics. This can hopefully lead to directives and recommendations that can help to combat the spread of this species.
It was first observed in North America in Ohio, USA in 2017 and is now present in at least 11 states.
Beech leaf disease was first detected in Ontario in Elgin County in 2017 and has been rapidly spreading along the north shores of lakes Erie and Ontario and is now expanding north.
You can learn more about beech leaf disease on the species profile.
What is at risk?
When overstory is removed, beech can be quickly overgrown
Beech nuts are very palatable for wildlife, especially bears.
Beech can also be used commercially, often used for furniture, cabinetry, instruments, methanol, charcoal, railroad ties, firewood and landscaping. Beech is also a primary tree type in many mixed wood forests.
How to identify beech trees
- Large, oval leaves with jagged edges
- Smooth bluish grey bark that darkens with age, resembling elephant skin
- Found in moist well drained soils
- Shade tolerant
Help monitor
You are already doing the first step in monitoring for beech leaf disease, knowing what to look for!
Reporting sightings of any invasive species is important! It helps us keep track of where the species exists, and how and where it is spreading. This information is critical for the early detection of and rapid response to species in new areas as well as for research in newly described species.
Want to join the Beech Leaf Disease Monitoring Network? Sign up for our email list to be the first to know when we’re accepting volunteers.