Thousand Cankers Disease Survey

The walnut twig beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis, (pest of state concern) and thousand cankers disease of walnuts has been detected in several states in the western United States and several eastern states, but is not known to occur in Kentucky. Black walnut is a highly valued tree, both economically and environmentally; it is also highly susceptible to thousand cankers disease. If found in Kentucky, this disease would threaten native black walnut stands as well as negatively impact black walnut timber, nuts, and nursery production. Several states are enacting quarantines on the movement of walnut articles. It is critical that the high risk pathways continue to be identified and surveyed. Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wisconsin plan to survey to determine the status of this pest.