Dutch Elm Disease - Dutch Elm Tree Disease

PP-324 (Revised)

Robert W. Stack , Professor Plant Pathology
Dean K. McBride , Extension Entomologist
H. Arthur Lamey , Extension Plant Pathologist

Introduction
Symptoms
Elm Bark Beetles â€“ Carriers of the Fungus
Bark Beetles and Dutch Elm Disease
Control Measures
Chemical Treatment
Precautions in Handling Pesticides
Sampling Procedures
Alternative to Planting Elms
Individual Citizen Responsibility

Introduction

Dutch elm disease was first found in the United States in Ohio in 1930. It has now spread throughout North America and has destroyed over half the elm trees in the northern United Sates. The disease has been reported in all states except the desert Southwest.

Dutch Elm Disease (DED) was first found in North Dakota in 1969 in Mandan. It was discovered in eastern North Dakota in 1973. By 1987 it had become established throughout eastern and central North Dakota and reported from all counties except those in the extreme northwestern part of the state.

Dutch elm disease is caused by the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi (syn. Ceratocystis ulmi) which is transmitted by two species of bark beetles or by root grafting. The American elm, Ulmus americana, is the most seriously affected of all elms. The Siberian elm, Ulmus pumila, (colloquially called "Chinese elm" in North Dakota) is tolerant but not immune to the disease.

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