Which is NOT true concerning oak wilt?

The statement that white and bur oaks are more susceptible than red or black oaks is not true regarding oak wilt. In fact, red oaks are typically more susceptible to oak wilt than white or bur oaks. The susceptibility of oak species to oak wilt varies significantly; while red oaks can rapidly decline and die when infected, white and bur oaks often exhibit a more resistant behavior and may survive for a longer period of time after infection. This distinction is crucial for understanding the ecology of oak wilt and the management of oak forests, as identifying which species are at greater risk aids in implementing effective prevention strategies.

In contrast, the other statements correctly reflect aspects of oak wilt's biology and pathology. The disease does kill trees by plugging water-conducting cells, which impairs the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients, leading to its eventual death. Additionally, the spread of oak wilt through insects, particularly sap-feeding beetles, tends to be more pronounced during late spring and early summer when conditions favor the activity of these insects. Furthermore, the rapid spread of the disease via root grafts is a significant concern once it becomes established, further amplifying its impact on oak populations.