Emerging Threats
Emerging threats in Tennesse are insects, diseases, and plants that have been detected in Tennessee but are not a common issue in the state, or that have not yet been detected in Tennessee but may eventually make their way to the state. However, we actively monitor for these issue and encourage residents to report potential sightings.
Sudden oak death is caused by a water mold (Phytophthora ramorum) that threatens the vast oak forests of the eastern United States. The disease causes girdling cankers on the main stem and large branches which coalesce to eventually kill the entire tree. Sudden oak death (which is not very sudden) is responsible for killing millions of oaks in the western states.
Goldspotted oak borer (Agrilus auroguttatus) is a small black beetle with six golden dots on its forewing. It is currently isolated to the western United States however it has resulted into complete oak death in some areas and is a serious threat to Eastern forests.
The invasive Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) can be identified by its glossy black exoskeleton mottled with white spots. It feeds on a wide host of tree species, boring round holes through the bark; however prefers maple trees.