Light reflected from trees can be used to early detect and differentiate drought from oak wilt.

What is it about?

This study centers on detecting oak wilt and drought stress in red oaks by linking remotely sensed light reflected from trees to the physiological processes caused by these stressors: the blockage of the water transport system of the tree, declines in photosynthetic efficiency, and loss of leaf rehydration capacity. These processes could be detected up to two weeks before trees showed visual signs of decline. Researchers also found that the patterning of blockages in the conduits of the stems mirrors the patterning of physiological decline in the canopies, which can be inferred from reflected light. Because the patterning is specific to each stress type, differentiation of oak wilt from drought is possible using multispectral drones. Thus, showcasing the potential for timely intervention and forest management.

Featured Image

Photo by Tyler Lastovich on Unsplash

Photo by Tyler Lastovich on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Oak forests play a vital role in providing ecosystem services like habitat, climate regulation, and erosion control across North America. However, these forests face compounding threats, notably from drought and oak wilt, a destructive invasive disease caused by Bretziella fagacearum, affecting red oaks. There is a pressing need for accurate and early detection methods to safeguard the health of oak-dominated forests.