2 (1 = rare 5 = annual)

4.5 (1 = very little damage 5 = plants killed)

Ash species, primarily white ash and green ash in both landscapes and forest stands, are susceptible to ash yellows. Ten other ash species are also reported hosts. White ash sustaines the greatests damage. The same pathogen also causes lilac witches' brooming, a decline disease of several species of lilac, particularly Japanese tree lilac.

Tree

• Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
• Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata)
• White Ash (Fraxinus americana)

Reduced radial and branch growth, loss of apical dominance in branches (a condition called deliquescent branching), and progressive decline are typical symptoms of ash yellows. Shortened twig growth is common, resulting in tufted foliage. Leaves of infected trees are often smaller than normal and light green in color, and they may develop early fall coloration. Eventually a progressive dieback of branches begins, and witches' brooms may develop. Witches' brooms occur most frequently on trees with severe dieback and on stumps of diseased trees. They commonly develop at the base of trunks but occasionally can be found several feet above ground. Vertical cracks often occur on the lower trunk. Symptom progression is slower and the disease less severe in green ash than in white ash. Although witches' brooms are diagnostic for ash yellows, only a small percentage of infected trees display this symptom. Laboratory confirmation of ash yellows is based on a staining technique using a fluorescence microscope.

Emerald Ash Borer symptoms mimic Ash Yellows so proper identification is important.

The ash yellows pathogen (a phytoplasma) is presumed to be spread by phloem-feeding insects such as leafhoppers. Little is known about other hosts for this phytoplasma, but research is ongoing.

There are currently no measures to control this disease. Trees with this disease should be removed. Species diversity in landscapes and forest stands will reduce the overall impact of tree loss due to ash yellows. Cultural practices to reduce tree stress might help to slow the progression of symptoms.

Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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