Canker Stain of Plane Trees: An Increasing Threat to Urban and Natural Forests in the Mediterranean Basin (and Beyond)
Section outline
Alberto Santini
CNR, Istituto Per La Protezeione Sosternibile Delle Piante - Sesto Fiorentiono
This lecture addresses the growing threat posed by canker stain of plane trees, caused by the fungus Ceratocystis platani. Once introduced, the pathogen spreads rapidly through wounds, contaminated tools, root grafts, and water flows, causing severe decline and death of infected trees. The talk examines the disease’s expanding distribution across the Mediterranean Basin and its emergence in new regions, highlighting its significant impact on both urban avenues lined with plane trees and natural riparian forests. Emphasis is placed on early detection, strict sanitation measures, and coordinated biosecurity strategies to slow its spread and protect valuable plane tree populations.
Keywords: Ceratocystis platani, Canker stain, Plane trees, Mediterranean forests, Urban trees, Invasive pathogen, Biosecurity, Tree health