Issue 15, September 9, 2013

Testing for Bacterial Leaf Scorch (BLS) at the U of I Plant Clinic -- Take 2

The U of I Plant Clinic recently completed their first round of serological tests on tree samples suspected of being infected with Bacterial Leaf Scorch (Xylella fastidiosa).  For additional information on this disease, you can refer to the recent Home, Yard, and Garden article found at the following link:  http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=513
Due to recent inquiries from throughout the Midwest, we feel there is a significant need to run another round of tests. The fee is $25 per sample. It is suggested that you call ahead to be certain you have prepared the correct sample and to avoid resampling at your expense.  Petiole tissue from symptomatic leaves is preferred for this test, so leaves showing symptoms with green petioles are the usual request. Please send your samples in the next several weeks. We will collect samples, store them, and then run a serological tests on all the submitted samples at the end of September, 2013.

Here are pictures of symptomatic oak leaves that tested positive for Bacterial Leaf Scorch, at the U of I Plant Clinic in 2013: 

(Stephanie Porter)

Author:
Stephanie Porter

Return to table of contents