With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
'Foamy Bark Canker' fungus killing California oak trees up and down coast
A fungus that causes foamy bark canker disease has been found in California coastal live oak trees in six counties. The cankers seen here can grow to be much bigger, producing a large amount of foam that seeps several feet down the tree.
Listen
1:00
'Foamy Bark Canker' fungus killing California oak trees up and down coast
A fungus never before seen in California oak trees is threatening the state's coastal live oaks from Orange County to Monterey.
Researchers at UC Riverside issued an alert after they found a high incidence of the fungus in six counties including Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara and Monterey.
The fungus causes a condition known as "foamy bark canker disease," which leaves large weeping cankers in the bark of affected trees, with foam seeping several feet down the trunk. The cankers may be covered in a cinnamon colored gum with creamy colored foam.
Reports of infestation by the fungus, Geosmithia pallida, began just six months ago, according to UC Riverside plant pathologist Akif Eskalen. It's carried by a beetle that is native to the state, but has never previously been found to carry the disease.
Sponsored message
The Western Oak Bark Beetle bores into oak trees to lay its eggs and deposits the fungus inside. The fungus grows to block the circulation of water and nutrients, killing branches and eventually the whole tree.
Researchers have asked the public to contact local agriculture officials if they notice any symptoms of the fungus on trees in the area.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
