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Florida 4-H Forest Ecology

Florida 4-H Forest Ecology

Bacterial Leaf Scorch: Identifying Characteristics

Identifying the injury: Foliage with marginal chlorosis, followed by necrosis. The necrosis is usually closer to the leaf margins. Leaves turn completely brown. Stunting, dieback and sometimes tree death.
Identifying the pathogen: X. fastidiosa is a microscopic rod-shaped bacterium that is not easily cultured on artificial media.
Susceptible trees: Wide host range including: oaks (especially laurel and turkey oak), sycamore, sweetgum and elms.

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