Connecticut news

Asian Ambrosia Beetle

Discussion on an interesting pest popped up on the Chestnut (TACF) Growers List this past week. We're fortunate not to have seen this pest (yet) here in Connecticut. Hill Craddock of Hamilton County Tennessee describes it as “by far the most damaging pest in (his) orchard.” Hill goes on to say

Although we have only two years of observations, it appears that there may be varietal differences. The cultivar 'Mossbarger' was nearly destroyed in 2005, while the other cultivars in the 20-cultivar trial were significantly less damaged (fewer trees attacked). In our experience, the attack was always fatal; infested trees never recovered.

Endosulfan (Thiodan, Phaser) or chlorpyrifos (Lorsban) are some of the recommended chemical controls, but timely application (before infestation)
and thorough application may be critical for success. I do not know if these chemicals are labeled for chestnut production as a food crop.

Chris Foster of Cascadia Chestnuts suggests an interesting analysis of the problem and a creative (and slightly lower impact) solution …

In the Pacific Northwest, we have a similar beetle Xyliborus Dispar which is a European ambrosia beetle a.k.a. “sholehole borer”. For what its worth, here's an educated guess or theory as to what the underlying problem which usually provokes the attack by ambrosia beetles in chestnuts. I should qualify this by saying this applies to the Pacific Northwest and may or may not apply to your area. Very little is written
on this subject. With great brevity:

The magnet bringing the pest to your trees unusally high ethylene gas production. The pores or lenticels of your trees are expelling this gas. In large the majority of cases, high ethylene production is associated with excessively wet soil conditions at a particular time of year; spring, when the trees are just beginning to bud or leaf out. Poorly aerated roots at this time are not able to keep up with a the usually young tree's oxygen demand and the ethlene production soars as a reaction. Wet spots or compacted areas in an an orchard or already weak trees may be deciding factors on which trees are going to have problems with beetles. These same trees will frequently have hypertrophic or swollen lenticels. The twigs or branches will have a pimply or bubbly character. There are other causes (sometimes winter injury like sunburn), but I think timely wet soil conditions are usually the cause in the Northwest. Tree emergence and wet soil occurring at the time of the beetle flight (the first few days of 65 to 70F degree weather) can be a deadly mix.

The long term remedies are either praying for reasonably dry spring weather, and/or improving drainage and lessening soil compaction. One short term remedy (though debatable as to whether or not it will actually keep them off your trees) is mass trapping. Homemade sticky traps, usually a perforated plastic bottle, fueled with a bit of vodka to mimic the ethylene are the “standard”, but there are many variations. Hang these at the perimeter of your orchard. Timing is everything; the beetles flight cycle may only last for a few days if it stays warm; it may already be too late for this year in your area. You can also try to intercept them and physically crush them or root them out before they get to far in.

Hill Craddock also provided these links for additional research.

http://www.bugwood.org/factsheets/99-010.html
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/trees/note111/note111.html

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Especially if you're under a canopy of American chestnuts... ... See MoreSee Less

Especially if youre under a canopy of American chestnuts...

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Unless, of course, it's fall. Then the chestnut seed pods are falling from the trees and creating a floor covered in pins and needles so sharp that it puts sweetgum to shame. You wouldn't want to be laying under the chestnut canopy then!

I live in Barboursville, WV and wanted to know if i can buy a seedling or how i go about acquiring one! Thank you!

The SHADE TREE COMMISSION in NEW PALTZ New York is interested in planting some CHESTNUT trees on Chestnut Street (Rt. 32). We would like to receive help from you if possible. New Paltz is a historic town and in the past there were MANY Chestnut trees here, Presently there is only ONE Chestnut tree which I grew from the nut of an elegant, large tree when it was sadly cut down. If there are any Chestnut trees available, or if you have any suggestion that might help us in this quest we would be greatful. Thank you for your attention., Shelly Ottens (moc.oohay@obobnyllehsih)

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Today was the last day of controlled pollinations in the southern region. Many thanks to the NC/SC Chapter members who came out to help! ... See MoreSee Less

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Thank you for your hard work!

I'm in south Arkansas. We had miniature Chestnut call chink a pin which got wiped out in the 50s. I have found two this spring 2025. They are small.

Hello, is this a chestnut tree?

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This summer, we’re aiming to produce 1,000 hand-pollinated nuts for our genomic-assisted breeding program, and each one is a vital step toward restoring the American chestnut.

Producing a single nut takes time, tools, and teamwork. From pollination to harvest, every step is a vital part of the process to ensure that each nut has the best chance possible to grow into a more blight-resistant tree.

Here’s what goes into a single $25 nut:

Pollination Bag: $5
Hand Pollination Process: $5
Harvesting the Nut: $5
Shucking & Storing: $5
Equipment & Fuel: $5
Total per Nut: $25

By supporting just one nut, you’re helping us bring the American chestnut back to our forests. Support a handful, and you’re helping to rebuild an entire ecosystem.

This nutty campaign only runs from June 3 to 23, and we’ve got 1,000 nuts to grow. Join us!
support.tacf.org/nuts
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Would the Chestnut tree grow well in the upper Midwest?

Question, why don’t you just plant the seeds/trees in an orchard and let nature pollinate them? That would reduce the cost exponentially and sell the seeds by the bag full? So people can then plant them in mass? Also, Why only 1000 seeds when one tree can produce more than that?

Howdy. He have four American Chestnuts together, growing opposite of several Chinese. They are about 20 years old. An interesting study.

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Is this possibly in the Chestnut family?

There are two work opportunities on June 7, 2025 for members of the WV Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation.

The first is at the U.S. Forest Service property at 459 Nursery Bottom Road, Parsons. Work will begin at 10:00AM at the 'American Chestnut' sign. We will lay out spots for a 100-tree orchard that will be planted next spring. We also will weed the existing orchard and conduct other miscellaneous tasks. Bring gloves, water and lunch. A bathroom is available.

The second opportunity is at Jennings Randolph Lake north of Elk Garden in Mineral County. Forty American chestnut trees will be planted at the Roger Craig campground. Work will begin at 9:00 am. Bring gloves, water and a snack. This work is conducted in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
If you are available to assist at either of these two work sites, it will be much appreciated.
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There are two work opportunities on June 7, 2025 for members of the WV Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation. The first is at the U.S. Forest Service property at 459 Nursery Bottom Road, Parsons. Work will begin at 10:00AM at the American Chestnut sign. We will lay out spots for a 100-tree orchard that will be planted next spring. We also will weed the existing orchard and conduct other miscellaneous tasks. Bring gloves, water and lunch. A bathroom is available.The second opportunity is at Jennings Randolph Lake north of Elk Garden in Mineral County. Forty American chestnut trees will be planted at the Roger Craig campground. Work will begin at 9:00 am. Bring gloves, water and a snack. This work is conducted in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.If you are available to assist at either of these two work sites, it will be much appreciated.
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