Mediterranean Oak Borer Tree Monitoring Study
What is the Mediterranean Oak Borer (MOB)?
The Mediterranean oak borer (Xyleborus monographus) is an invasive ambrosia beetle originally from the Mediterranean regions of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. It has recently been found in the Pacific Northwest regions of California and Oregon. Many oak species are susceptible, including the Northwest’s native oak, the Garry oak (Quercus garryana). There is concern regarding the spread of MOB within Washington.
What is the Garry oak tree?
The Garry oak tree also known as Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) is an oak tree native to the Pacific Northwest spanning from Northern California to British Columbia. The Garry oak is the only native oak in Washington. Historically, the Garry oak tree has been a vital part of the prairie oak woodland ecosystem providing vital nutrients and shelter for insects and animals.
Mediterranean Oak Borer’s Impact on Garry Oak Trees
Introduced species such as the Mediterranean Oak Borer threaten the health of Garry oak trees and their ecosystems. These beetles tunnel into Garry oaks and can spread fungi that infect and damage the tree. The fungi then clog water conducting tissues and lead to wilting. Generations of beetle infestation lead to tree branch and eventual entire tree death.
Study
Community scientists will place DIY beetle traps containing ultra high release (UHR) ethanol lures on Garry oak trees exhibiting signs and symptoms of MOB infestation. Ethanol lures will be provided by the Forest Health Lab at WSU as well as instructions for trap assembly and sample collection. These lures will then be used to capture any beetles residing on the oaks and submitted to the Forest Health Lab for further analysis. Analysis will consist of species identification, through morphology and DNA analyses and identification of fungal colonies present on the beetles. These findings would help us advance research regarding management and conservation efforts.
Mediterranean Oak Borer Tree Monitoring Interest
Please share your contact information if you would like participate in a Mediterranean Oak Borer monitoring study on Gerry Oak trees.iNaturalist Project
The purpose of this project is to collect observations of healthy and unhealthy oak trees. There are many threats to the health of oak species such as the Mediterranean Oak Borer. Together we can monitor the health of oaks and report concerns.
Learn More
Mediterranean Oak Borer Flyer
