Association of Xyleborus glabratus and an Ophiostoma sp. with mortality of red bay (Persea borbonia) in Georgia and South Carolina

"Red bay (Persea borbonia (L.) Spreng) is an aromatic, evergreen tree or shrub that is common in forests in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains of the southeastern United States. Trees can attain heights as great as 21 m and diameters as great as 90 cm, although tree size and growth habitat varies greatly over its range. The species is important for wildlife in southern forests, and the tree is also used as an ornamental.

"Since 2003, dead and dying red bay trees have been reported on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. In November of 2004, officials estimated that 75-80% of the island’s red bays had been lost. Initial reports suggested that the problem was related to droughts during the late 1990's and early 2000's followed by above average rainfall beginning in 2003.

"Recent observations and surveys by the Georgia Forestry Commission, the South Carolina Forestry Commission, and the USDA Forest Service indicate mortality of red bay is common in areas to the south and west of Savannah, Georgia as well as several southern, coastal counties of South Carolina." [from Introduction]

[Poster - American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting]
[July 30 - August 3, 2005 Austin Texas]

American Phytopathological Society
St. Paul, MN 55121

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