According to the MFC, there has been a significant outbreak of variable oak leaf caterpillar , as well as the presence of hypoxylon canker , which is a fungus that negatively affects growth and can eventually lead to the death of weak or diseased host trees.
There have been reports of the outbreaks in or near Central Mississippi, including the Flora, Pocahontas, and Raymond areas. Officials said the dual threat poses a serious risk to the health of oak and other hardwood trees in the area.
“We are aware of the caterpillar damage in and around the Raymond area. We are conducting aerial and ground checks to determine the extent of the damage. Landowners should continue to monitor their forest areas for insect damage and activity,” said Russell Bozeman, MFC State Forester.
MFC officials said variable oak leaf caterpillar and the fungus that causes hypoxylon canker are native species that don’t cause significant damage to healthy trees in normal years. However, these pests are believed to be exploiting the drought stress that many trees experienced last year. They said the added defoliation caused by the caterpillars could further weaken the trees, making them more susceptible to other pests and diseases, including the often-fatal hypoxylon canker.
According to the MFC, there has been a significant outbreak of variable oak leaf caterpillar, as well as the presence of hypoxylon canker. (Courtesy: MFC)
According to the MFC, there has been a significant outbreak of variable oak leaf caterpillar, as well as the presence of hypoxylon canker. (Courtesy: MFC)
“The combination of these two factors is a major concern for the health of our oak trees,” said Dr. John J. Riggins, Professor of Forest Health at Mississippi State University (MSU) and Forest Entomologist for the MFC. “We urge residents to monitor their trees closely and take steps to mitigate the damage by promoting tree vigor by whatever means possible.”
During outbreaks, the variable oak leaf caterpillar can cause significant defoliation of oak trees. The coloring of these caterpillars is “variable,” but at maturity, they are typically green or brown and have a greenish head and distinctive lighter-colored stripe running down their back.
Residents are encouraged to contact their local MFC specialist or an ISA-certified arborist for more information on how to protect their oak trees.
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