Plane trees are resistant to diseases, but fungal pathogens are and remain a threat. Some pass quickly without causing any significant damage. Others, however, tear the tree to its death. Let's take a closer look at the three most common fungal diseases.
What fungal infestation occurs on plane trees?
Plane trees can be affected by fungal diseases such as leaf brown, massaria disease and plane tree canker. These lead to symptoms such as brownish spots, bark necrosis and yellow leaves. Preventive measures include regular tree pruning and the removal of infected branches.
The plane tree has to deal with these fungal diseases
- Leaf Tan
- Massaria disease
- sycamore crab
Note:Heavily pruned plane trees and specimens suffering from drought stress are also more susceptible to powdery mildew, which appears with a white coating.
Leaf Tan
The fungus Apiognomonia veneta is responsible for this disease, which affects all plane tree species, but especially the maple-leaved plane tree. Leaves, bark and shoots show the following damage:
- the first leaves show brownish spots
- these have an irregular, jagged shape
- they start at the base of the leaf and run along the main veins
- damaged leaves fall off prematurely
- sometimes young shoots begin to wilt
- This is followed by cortical necrosis (death of affected parts)
The new generation of leaves usually remains he althy, which is why the disease does not weaken the tree too much. Things look different if it erupts several years in a row. Infected branches are cut off and disposed of.
Massaria disease
Middle-aged plane trees are more susceptible to this fungal disease. Heat and drought play their part.
- Bark areas initially turn pink to reddish
- die off as it progresses
- the following year dark spores appear on the bark
- the plane tree is losing more and more bark
- the foliage is becoming more and more sparse
- the diseased wood is rotting
- there is a risk of cancellation
Infected branches must be sawn off promptly so that they do not break off uncontrollably and possibly injure people or damage property.
Tip
Take a closer look at higher branches, as they are often only diseased on one side (on the upper side). This way you can take the necessary measures in good time.
sycamore crab
The disease, also known as plane tree wilt, ends fatally after 3-4 years because it cannot be controlled. However, the tree and its roots should be removed from the garden immediately after the disease is discovered. The signs of illness are:
- yellow-colored leaves before autumn
- a sparse foliage dress
- dying branches
- discolored and sunken areas on the bark
