Pine Wilt in Nebraska

Pines are an important component of many urban and rural landscapes in Nebraska. Since 2000, a disease called pine wilt has killed many mature Scotch (Scots) pine (Pinus sylvestris) throughout the state. Pine wilt is caused by the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, a microsopic (1 mm long) worm, which is moved from infested to noninfested pine trees by the pine sawyer beetle (Monochamus spp.)