KY FY25 Vascular Streak Dieback Survey 1

Vascular Streak Dieback Disease Survey 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. This survey builds upon the 2023 and 2024 surveys, expanding on both the affected states and the host list, which have since increased in size. For this reason, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is partnering with Virginia, South Carolina, Alabama, Kentucky, Missouri, Maryland, Oregon, and North Carolina to conduct a multi-state survey for VSD. This survey aims to identify 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 from the University of Kentucky Office of the State Entomologist will survey and sample 7 sites for VSD. The TN Dept of Ag plant pathologist will test samples from Tennessee, along with samples from Oregon, South Carolina, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, Missouri, and Maryland. We anticipate sample diagnostics within two weeks of sample submission. Extracted DNA will be shared with university partners to further research efforts.