2005 DUTCH ELM DISEASE SURVEY RESULTS

The 2005 Dutch elm disease (DED) survey results indicate that communities benefit from active DED management programs.

Some communities showed a significant increase in the number of infected elm trees while others had fewer infections than last year. Of the 43 communities surveyed, significant increases were seen in Katepwa Beach (49 trees this year, 25 last year), Regina Beach (27/14), Fort Qu'Appelle (13/8), and Carnduff (5/2). Other communities confirming the presence of the disease included Carlyle (1/0), Melville (2/0), and Moosomin (1/1).

Infected trees were found again this year at the Experimental Farm and the PFRA Tree Nursery near Indian Head. As well, the community of Wolseley had its first case of infection this year.

Communities showing a decline in the number of infected trees included Regina (2/11), Lumsden (32/64) and Estevan (20/27), with Moose Jaw, Caronport, Kamsack, Grenfell, Indian Head, Tisdale and Balcarres disease-free this year, despite having infected trees in previous years. The cities of Saskatoon, Prince Albert and North Battleford remain disease-free.

"The numbers are quite variable this year," provincial Dutch elm disease administrator Steve Hyde said. "However, the benefits of a disease management program for communities is still shown, by the relatively stable overall community infection numbers."

Buffer zones have been established outside urban centres with significant elm populations to limit the movement of the disease. This year, infected trees were identified in the Regina, Moose Jaw, Indian Head, Fort Qu'Appelle, Estevan and Tisdale buffer zones. Many of the trees identified were removed in July, with the remainder to be removed this fall and winter. The disease continues to spread in natural elm stands along the Qu'Appelle Valley, the Souris River Valley, Last Mountain Lake and the Carrot River Valley.

"To deal effectively with the disease, communities must continue to work together to develop and implement management plans," Hyde said. "This year, there are 38 communities participating in agreements with Saskatchewan Environment to share the costs of their management programs."

Healthy elms resist infection better and homeowners should prune their trees regularly but observe the pruning ban from April 1st to August 31st each year. Because of the risk of spreading the disease, transporting or storing elm firewood is illegal.

For more information about disease prevention, call Saskatchewan Environment's toll-free DED information line at 1-800-SASK ELM (1-800-727-5356).

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For More Information, Contact:

Steve Hyde Environment Saskatoon Phone: (306) 933-6515 Cell: (306) 250-5541