KY FY23 Vascular Dieback Detection 1S.00

Vascular Streak Disease Dieback Detection Survey Abstract Vascular streak dieback (VSD) is threatening nursery production in the southeastern United States. Little is known about this emerging dieback issue, but it has already caused significant economic losses in the nursery industry. The fungus Rhizoctonia theobromae/Ceratobasidium theobromae has been isolated from trees exhibiting dieback, wilt and vascular streaking. This detection is a newly reported fungi in the region and more information about the distribution is needed. For this reason, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is partnering with Virginia, South Carolina, Alabama, Kentucky, Missouri, Oregon, and Indiana to lead a multi-state survey for VSD. This survey aims at identifying any plants with symptoms of VSD. Cercis sp. will be the primary target but other species exhibiting symptoms may also be collected. A Nursery Inspector will survey and sample 7 sites for VSD. The TDA plant pathologist will test samples from Kentucky. Anticipated sample diagnostics is within two weeks of sample submission.