It isn't just confined to young saplings but old Beech are badly affected as well. It could be the result of the Beech Leaf Miner--Orchestes fagi. I can't say I have noticed this much damage to the leaves in previous years.
Less Chlorophyll will mean less photosynthesis and progressively weaken the tree. In combination with this lengthy dry spell and Beech having a shallow root system, it is not looking good.
Is this type of leaf damage noticeable throughout the valley or is it just Todmorden? Can anyone confirm this weevil is the culprit?
No idea the reason behind this disease Philip. There are lots of beech tress in Hardcastle Crags affected by it, both young and old trees.
ReplyDeleteYes I've noticed this as new in Hardcastle Crags. The oaks do all right after being made into lace by caterpillars, which happens some but not all years. They just put out a fresh crop of leaves later. They're adapted to it. Beech may not be, but then beech are not so good ecologically.
ReplyDeleteThanks David and Steve for your observations. Beech may not be too good ecologically when alive but it is one of the best for decay organisms, including fungi and beetles. That is why it such a mistake to fell old Beech, better to leave as standing dead wood (bearing in mind any safety concerns). There is a bit of a local hurry to get rid of the old Beech, yet the Beech saplings are allowed to romp away unchecked. Very odd and wrong thinking.
ReplyDeleteHi Philip,
ReplyDeleteYou are correct with your mine ID - moth larvae don't start mining until a month or so later. There is an initial gallery leading to a blotch. They are also present in pest proportions here in Halifax, never seen so many.
Hi Charlie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for confirming ID. I have googled to see if this problem of leaf miners is occurring in other parts of the country but found no reference.