Diario del proyecto Alaska Forest Health Observations

Tart-but-delectable highbush-cranberries (Viburnum edule) are harvested for jams, ketchups & other foraged-products. A rust fungus is wreaking localized harvest havoc from Fairbanks to Seward to SE AK after abundant rain. More information available here: https://bit.ly/2Vf4xp8

Dr. Lori Winton beats a broom rust to release a spore cloud. In the spring, the causal fungus produces a foul odor to attract insects for cross-fertilization. The tree responds to this pathogen by growing the characteristic brooms #AlaskaForestHealth https://bit.ly/3s3STJG

Ever heard of frass? And what does it have to do with defoliation? 🐛💩 Learn about these and a recurring insect outbreak from Forest Service Entomologist Dr. Elizabeth Graham. https://vimeo.com/584107779

Have you seen this gall on chokecherry? Alaska IPM is tracking the distribution of the chokecherry gall midge and could use your help! This small, orange fly larva lives inside the fruits of chokecherry trees. The berry expands into a fleshy, hollow gall that protects the larvae as they develop. If you see these galls please submit a photo of the galls on the tree as well as the location of the tree to the UAF Cooperative Extension Service pest reporter to help us map the occurrence of this insect in Alaska: https://pestreporter.alaska.edu/

Has fall come early? It might seem as though the birch trees are already turning shades of autumnal brown. Surprisingly, it’s not the changing seasons—the browning leaves are due to birch leafminer feeding! https://bit.ly/2VL2jxV

AlaskaForestHealth is interested in YOUR observations of western redcedar health in SE Alaska, where it grows as far north as Kake. Healthy trees? Freshly killed red tops? Sparse foliage or dying branches? Contribute through iNaturalist!

Link to Western Redcedar Dieback Map Project: https://bit.ly/3s8G94r

Voracious rusty tussock moth caterpillars munch berry bushes and dwarf birch—sometimes taking over camp sites! Take caution before handling, their hairs cause a rash. Report observations to http://iNaturalist.org.

More information available here: https://bit.ly/3m5fpkv

Photo credit: Anne Beaulaurier

Want to learn more about the western blackheaded budworm outbreak occurring in SE Alaska? Check out our website for info including a map of the damage and reports from a historic outbreak in the 1950s: https://bit.ly/3lZGfug

Learn how #ForestPathology experts at #AlaskaForestHealth @UNL_PlantPath @ArcticBiology figured out that a newly discovered fungus is the cause of the tree disease aspen running canker in Alaska. Read it here: https://bit.ly/3jazIuG