Technical Advisor, Pollinator Ecologist Davey Tree Expert Company Akron, Ohio
Horned oak gall (Callirhytis comigera) is an unsightly pest that causes large woody growths on the stems of various oak species. Historically this pest has been considered cosmetic, but in recent years populations have devastated pin oaks (Quercus paulstris) in the southern US, weighing down branches with thousands of galls per tree. Herein, we will discuss the complex lifecycle of the horned oak gall wasp and call attention to the industry, as this pest is likely to continue to impact oaks with no efficacious control approach available. In cooperation with Arborjet, we will discuss ongoing research to manage this pest using cultural and chemical approaches in St. Louis, MO.
