Laurel wilt is a new invasive tree disease in Kentucky lethal to sassafras and spicebush.  This disease is caused by a fungus, Raffaelea lauricola, and spread by the redbay ambrosia beetle, both of which are native to Asia.  Infection by the fungus compromises the vascular system of the tree and can rapidly kill sassafras. While it has been present in coastal areas of the southeast for several years, killing redbay laurel, avocado, and other species, it was first detected in Kentucky in 2019 in Christian, Todd, and Logan counties.  Since then, it has spread all the way into Jefferson County and it is likely to spread to other locations in the near future.

Given its recent arrival, agents, landowners, and professionals are largely unfamiliar with laurel wilt.  To increase awareness or laurel wilt, understanding of potential impacts, and to minimize future spread, I worked with partners to host several laurel wilt disease trainings in Sept 2021. This included two components:

• Conference: A 3-hour webinar featuring talks with experts on laurel wilt disease from around the country speaking on a range of topics, from the current state of laurel wilt, to how to scout for symptoms, to potential management options.  130+ people attended this virtually.
• Field Training: A 2-hour field training in Hopkinsville, KY to train participants (largely foresters and Extension professionals) in scouting for laurel wilt disease and effectively collecting samples for analysis. ~20 people attended this in-person.

Participants attending the conference were surveyed after the event and 100% said the conference met or exceeded their expectations and 98% said the speakers and topics were good or excellent. 100% expressed interest in attending future forest health related.  CEUs (KY Pesticide Applicator, KERS credits) were provided for attendees. All talks in this conference were recorded and are now available on the KY Forest Health YouTube page as a playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPDr0WSaIO0GiGvlDmankOu64r0SpSmyU