This lecture provides an overview of ash dieback, a devastating disease caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, which threatens ash populations across Europe. Students will learn about the pathogen’s biology, infection cycle, and pathways of spread, as well as characteristic symptoms such as leaf wilt, shoot dieback, and stem lesions. The lecture also discusses ecological impacts, host susceptibility, monitoring strategies, and current management approaches aimed at preserving resilient ash populations and maintaining forest ecosystem stability.
