Disease Identification on Sugar Maple Trees

Sugar maples are susceptible to fungal diseases such as heart rot.

The sugar maple is also known by its scientific name Acer saccharum and is a member of the Aceraceae family. Sugar maples are susceptible to fungal diseases, which are often caused by logging injuries.

Types

Sapstreak wilt causes adverse effects in affected sugar maple trees. Sapstreak wilt attacks at the roots, usually following an injury. Verticillium wilt and fungal diseases such as heart rot, root rot and butt rot are all found in the sugar maple tree. Certain cankers affect the health of this tree as well.

Symptoms

Symptoms of rot diseases include spongy internal wood, discolored and mushy roots, and reduced vigor. Wilt diseases often cause leaf wilting, premature leaf drop, and may kill affected trees. Cankers often form on the branches and trunk, predisposing the tree to injury.

Control

Control diseases in sugar maple trees with good cultural practices, such as removing and destroying infected branches and leaves. Avoid injuring sugar maples during logging or pruning, because this gives fungi easy access to the tree.

References

• U.S. Department of Agriculture: Acer Saccharum Marsh
• U.S. Department of Agriculture: Recognizing And Managing Sapstreak Disease Of Sugar Maple