disappeared. Up until the late 70's, Prince Edward Island had escaped the damage this disease brought to the rest of the continent. Isolation from the mainland, combined with aerial detection surveys and reports from concerned citizens, prevented any serious problems.

In 1979, the disease was detected near central Prince County. Quick action was taken to remove and bury all of the infected trees. the De- partment of Energy and Forestry continued to monitor the situation but over the next few years, no new outbreaks were reported. However, in 1985 the first positive case in several years was reported. Occuring in the lffigf . same general area as the first infection, E§"' it was dealt with immediately. With fin—

.“ agers crossed, the watch continued but in 3,}the following year, more infected trees

-'fwere discovered in an elm stand near Tyne ’ Valley.

Previous incidents had been single trees or in areas relatively isolated from other elms. However this particular out— break presented a bigger problem, as large numbers of elms occurred in the area and . a“ the potential to develop a base from which ~ B- h ..~ the disease could spread became a reality. Dutch Elm Disease is normally spread by European and/or native elm bark beetle, which lays its eggs under the bark of dead and dying trees. Elms infected or killed by the disease make ideal beetle nurseries where larvae can come into contact with the fungus. When the larvae emerge as adults, they fly off to feed under the bark of live elms, thus spreading the fungus.

The disease can also be spread by overlapping tree roots. Tiny open- ings in the roots allow the fungus to pass from tree to tree and start a new infection. Once the disease has entered an area where elms grow in abundance, this method of spread can become very important.

Both methods of infection are equally deadly, killing a healthy tree in as little as a few months or taking as long as 2 to 3 years.

If you live in an area where elms are found, you can help contain the spread of this serious disease by following a few rules and keeping an eye out for the telltale signs:

1. Elm leaves which turn yellow and fall in early summer

2. Sudden wilting and browning of the leaves

(1 and 2 are usually contained on just one branch and not spread

across the tree.)

3. Dwarfing and increasing sparsity of leaves

4. Brownish/yellowish discoloration under the bark of twigs

If you spot any of these symptoms on your elms:

A. DO NOT remove the trees yourself. Call an expert

B. DO NOT use the wood for fuel. Beetles can breed under the bark when it is stacked in the woodpile

C. DO NOT sell the wood to anyone else as they may introduce the disease into an uninfected area

D. CONTACT your local Forest District office as soon as possible.

There is no known cure for Dutch Elm Disease, so the emphasis must be on prevention. By watching for the tell-tale signs and keeping your elms well-pruned and healthy, you can play a part in controlling this deadly disease. If you would like more information on Dutch Elm Disease, contact your local forest district office. ’