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Wilted Sugar Maple branch #880721

Asked August 08, 2024, 2:16 PM EDT

Trying to figure out if this is verticillium wilt or something else. Sugar Maple. Approx 10” dbh had a single branch die suddenly. Removed the branch saw no discoloration until the Final Cut was made. Doesn’t look like classic vert.

Leelanau County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Pam, thanks for the question.

If you are referring to the radial streaks, they do seem odd if this is verticillium.  It would be helpful if you could give a little history and other symptoms.  If you have any other pictures that would be helpful. How fast was the decline?  Was there any significant yellowing?  Was the branch totally dead?  Was there leaf loss?  I will see if I can get some feedback from the MSU plant and pest diagnostics lab on your picture.

I look forward to your reply.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 09, 2024, 9:57 PM EDT
Thanks for the response. Here’s a little more detail. The tree is at my brother’s house and I drive past it every time I visit, which is every few days. I first noticed it this past Monday and the leaves on the entire branch were completely wilted and crispy. No real yellowing. It was no more than a matter of days or I would have noticed it (MSU ‘84 Landscape Hort B.S., ISA Certified arborist, MS in Pest Management from UC Davis). Tree is in the lawn. Has some large girdling roots and lousy structure (codominant stems). The affected branch was the lowest branch on the tree. 

The attached pictures are from a branch that we saved. It’s been on the workbench since Monday, but it looked like this when it was attached to the tree. 

Please let me know if you need additional information.
image
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On Fri, Aug 9, 2024 at 9:57 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied August 10, 2024, 9:47 AM EDT

Hi Pam,

I'm sure you probably know more about this than I do.   I did find some info that suggests verticillium can get into the medullary rays, but it was rather vague.   I am going to send the pictures out tonight to the lab with your additional information. It can take a few days.  Unfortunately, if they are busy, they may not respond.  I will let you know what I find out. 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 11, 2024, 8:05 PM EDT

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