Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000300
11/12/99
CASTANEA DISEASE PROBLEMS
Blight of chestnut has virtually eliminated the American
Chestnut from the landscape. The disease caused cankers
on the branches then moved into the trunk killing the
tree. There is no chemical control for the disease. Most
chestnuts now grown are Asiatic types and resistant to the
disease caused by the fungus Endothia parasitica.
Twig canker is a problem on Asiatic chestnuts. The
symptoms are a brown discoloration on a twig. The disease
girdles the twig and moves down to a larger branch. The
leaves on the girdled branch wilt, turn brown and die.
The canker is obvious due to callus formation at the
canker margin. The disease attacks seedlings, very old
trees, or unhealthy trees of any age. No chemical control
is available. Prune out diseased branches and prevent the
disease by keeping trees healthy.
Leaf spots caused by various fungi can be a problem.
These are not serious so no chemical controls are
suggested. Clean up and dispose of diseased leaves.
Powdery mildew causes a white powdery growth on the
leaves.
Related information.
Pesticide Recommendations
Powdery Mildew
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This file was generated from data base ZZ on 01/19/00.
Data base ZZ was last revised on 11/12/99.
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