Horse Chestnut trees in the UK and elsewhere are being destroyed by a virulent fungus. Both young and old trees are affected, from early in the season.

It was interesting to see Indian Chestnut nearby. It is very mildly affected.

Since young plants are susceptible, a hybridisation or gene transfer experiment could yield results much more quickly than for Ash.

#trees #arboriculture #treediseases

Noticed these Witches' Brooms years ago and finally took some pictures. Thought ID would be easy, likely a Gall but not really so. Guessing these are Gray Dogwood trees or maybe Willow. Silky Dogwood is nearby and mixed in.

From:

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/witches-broom-trees

"Witches' brooms may be caused by fungal, viral, or phytoplasmas. Eriophyid mites, mistletoe, environmental
damage, or a mutation in vegetative cells may also cause witches' brooming."

#witchsbroom #treediseases #galls

Emerging #TreeDiseases are on the rise, threatening the planet's largest plants.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/what-on-earth-tree-diseases-1.6993883

"Infectious diseases don't just threaten the health of humans & animals. Trees are also susceptible to new pathogens, & scientists worry a growing number of species could be at risk....
Butternut canker, for instance, is ravaging trees across North East America. While sudden oak death — caused by a fungus-like plant pathogen — is devastating oak..."
#ClimateChange #Trees