This article presents the biology of Ceratocystis platani, the fungus responsible for canker stain of plane trees, and describes its distribution within the Luberon Regional Natural Park. The pathogen enters the tree exclusively through wounds and then spreads rapidly through the vascular system and ray tissues, killing the host within 1 to 5 years.
Transmission occurs through contaminated tools and machinery, as well as naturally via running water, wind, and root grafts between neighboring plane trees. Infected trees initially show violet-blue streaks on the trunk or large branches, which later turn orange. As the lesion expands, the center dries and darkens, the bark cracks, but the margin remains bluish without forming a healing callus. Above the infection site, the foliage becomes sparse and yellowed before the entire tree eventually dies.
Eleven municipalities within the park have been affected, while five are now considered disease-free. Strict adherence to the prophylactic measures described in the current prefectural decree is essential to protect the region’s plane tree heritage from this quarantine disease.
Note: The original text is in French
