AUSTIN — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office for Travis County will present a program on oak wilt and other tree diseases, as well as proper plant selection for South Central Texas, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 30.
The program will be in Room 1130 of Austin Community College, 1820 W. Stassney Lane in Austin.
Identification and prevention of oak wilt will be among the topics discussed at the AgriLife Extension program on March 30 in Austin. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)
“Oak wilt, one of the most destructive tree diseases in the United States, is killing oak trees in Central Texas at epidemic proportions,” said Dr. David Appel, AgriLife Extension program leader for plant pathology, College Station. “Plus drought and other types of environmental stress can injure and possibly kill trees, as well as make them more vulnerable to insect and disease pests.”
Appel will be the featured speaker at the program, which will also include Daphne Richards, AgriLife Extension horticulturist for Travis County.
“This is a great opportunity for people to get information about which trees are affected by oak wilt, find out how to identify the disease, learn how it is spread and understand how it can be managed,” Richards said. “Dr. Appel has taught graduate and undergraduate courses on introductory plant pathology, plant disease diagnosis, forest protection and environmental regulations. He is a recognized statewide expert on oak wilt, so this is a unique opportunity to learn from him.”
Richards said the program will address oak wilt in depth, as well as drought-related plant diseases and proper tree selection and planting for the region.
“Certain tree species are better adapted for the climate and soil conditions in Central Texas and how a tree is planted can contribute to its health and longevity,” Richards said.
The cost for the program is $25 and one Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education unit in pesticides for the general category will be offered to participants.
“There is ample free parking in the lot and parking garage,” Richards said. “Do not park in reserved spaces and remember to sign in at the security desk. If no one is present, just sign the form on the clipboard. You’ll need to know your vehicle license number.”
Water and snacks will be available in the classroom for attendees, she added.
For questions about the program, contact Rosalie Russell at 512-804-2257 or gisathccs@aol.com.
For questions regarding payment or registration, please contact Texas AgriLife Extension Conference Services at 979-845-2604 or https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu . Enter the keyword “trees” and “Austin” for the location.
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