Pinewood nematode

The pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) is the most destructive pest of forest and landscape pines in Japan. This nematode invades the stems and branches of pines causing a sudden wilting and death of the tree regardless of its age or size. The pinewood nematode was first thought to be a recent introduction into the United States; however, it is now believed to be a native pest, which had gone undetected. The pinewood nematode does not appear to represent a severe threat to coniferous forests in the United States but may cause random death of pines in the landscape.