Oak wilt is caused by which type of organism?

Oak wilt is caused by which type of organism?

• A. Fungus
• B. Bacterium
• C. Virus
• D. Nematode

Answer: (A)

Oak wilt is caused by a fungus, a vascular pathogen that grows in the tree’s xylem and blocks water transport, leading to rapid wilting and leaf scorch. This type of organism reproduces and spreads through fungal spores, and in oak wilt it is carried by beetles and can also move between trees via connected root systems. Understanding that a fungus is responsible explains why management focuses on preventing wounds that invite beetle transmission, avoiding pruning during high beetle activity, and preventing or severing root grafts to stop underground spread. The specific pathogen is a vascular fungus, Bretziella fagacearum, which matches these disease characteristics.

Oak wilt is caused by a fungus, a vascular pathogen that grows in the tree’s xylem and blocks water transport, leading to rapid wilting and leaf scorch. This type of organism reproduces and spreads through fungal spores, and in oak wilt it is carried by beetles and can also move between trees via connected root systems. Understanding that a fungus is responsible explains why management focuses on preventing wounds that invite beetle transmission, avoiding pruning during high beetle activity, and preventing or severing root grafts to stop underground spread. The specific pathogen is a vascular fungus, Bretziella fagacearum, which matches these disease characteristics.