Quickly spreading fungus killing Fla. redbay trees Published:
Monday, March 11, 2013 at 8:39 a.m. Last Modified: Monday, March
11, 2013 at 8:39 a.m. DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Officials say a tree
fungus known as laurel wilt is spreading across parts of central
Florida, killing hundreds of redbay trees. The Daytona Beach
News-Journal reports the fungus attacks quickly and kills the
trees almost overnight. The newspaper reports ambrosia beetles
drill into redbay trees and the adult females inoculate them
with fungi that multiply rapidly. The bugs feed on the rapidly
spreading fungus, which block the tree's capillaries. That
prevents water from getting into the tree's limbs, branches and
leaves. The leaves change from green to brown. Specialists say
the only hope is for trees to be treated early enough with a
fungicide that protects the roots and keeps the fungus from
taking hold. Officials say the fungus and beetles first appeared
in Duval County in 2005.