Laurel Wilt Disease was introduced to me by a page in the University of Florida Stewardship brochure that I get on occassion. We hadn't seen any evidence of the imported ambrosia beetle nor red bay death. A couple of months ago, my neighbor told me his trees were dying. This weekend, I've noticed that my trees are dying. So far, the ones that are affected are on high ground, South of the house. the trees lower in the swamp haven't shown any damage yet. From available reports, I fully expect them all to end up dead.
A brief study on the internet shows that the wilt started in S.C. and entered Florida on the coast, showing up in the Timuquan preserve (I'm on the edge of it) in 2005. It's expected to rapidly affect all red bay much like the Chestnut blight got the American Chestnut. By the time we found out about it, it was too late to do anything, not that anything could be done anyway.
I'm going to miss the flavor of the leaves in my stew and the wood in my bar-b-cue.
http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/ento/x.glabratus.htmlThe combination of its almost blackish coloration, nearly glabrous upper surface, and abrupt apical declivity helps to distinguish it from other Florida species, but positive identification will depend on examination by a specialist.
All due respect to the Entomologist who wrote the article, but sentences using words like that are not conducive to making the general public aware. I'm sure that they think their report is directed to a select few industry entomologist, but, in fact, there are many citizens and tree farmers out here that are studying everything they can find.
Glabrous = hairless, slick
Apical Declivity = the posterior end of the beetle's hardened wings (elytra) where they curve downward to the abdomen.
http://www.fl-dof.com/publications/fh_pdfs/Laurel_Wilt.pdf
