Large, imposing and strong - that's what chestnuts look like, even though they are quite sensitive trees. Even if you don't look at them, they are threatened by various diseases and pests. Brown spots on the leaves are often the first sign.

The horse chestnut leaf miner is the most common cause of chestnut diseases

Which diseases can the chestnut be dangerous?

The horse chestnut leaf miner primarily affects the common horse chestnut, but can also occur on other chestnut species. However, unlike a fungal infestation, the moth is not fatal to the chestnut tree. Only the leaves, which wither and fall off early, are affected. This is not a particularly pretty sight and will weaken the chestnut in the long run. Chestnut moths and chestnut borers, on the other hand, attack the fruit.

Far more dangerous than the horse chestnut leaf miner is chestnut bark canker, which is caused by a fungal attack and is one of the worst tree diseases, as is the so-called bleeding chestnut. A bacterium called Pseudomonas is responsible for this. Both diseases affect the bark of the chestnut and can lead to the death of the affected tree.

In the case of ink disease, the roots of a chestnut are particularly affected. Too moist soil can promote the spread of this fungal infection. Waterlogging should therefore be avoided at all costs. The affected roots die off, exuding a dark ink-like liquid. This is how this disease got its name. The trees die after some time, young ones even within a year.

How are plant diseases transmitted?

Plant diseases are transmitted in different ways. For example, ink sickness can be spread over long distances by contaminated soil sticking to shoes or vehicle tires. Chicken manure can probably curb the spread. Many germs and fungal spores penetrate the plant through small injuries, so you should be careful when pruning your chestnut and only use thoroughly cleaned tools.

Can I prevent chestnut diseases?

If a chestnut feels comfortable in its location, then the chance of health is greatest. It should be as sunny as possible, in a fresh, not too moist soil. Although it is often planted as a street tree, it is quite sensitive to the spreading of salt in winter. As a result, it is weakened and more susceptible to various pathogens, such as fungal infestation and bacteria.

Interesting facts about chestnut diseases and pests:

  • Horse chestnut leaf miner: annoying, weakens the tree, not deadly
  • Ink Sickness: affects roots, easily transmitted, deadly
  • Pseudomonas: attacks the bark, can lead to death
  • Chestnut bark canker: affects the bark, with generous pruning the tree's chances of survival increase
  • Chestnut borer: affects the fruit, leading to crop failures
  • Box berry moth: affects the fruit, leading to crop failure

tips

In the event of a fungus infestation, a generous pruning can possibly save your chestnut. To do this, however, you have to react quite quickly and cut right into the healthy wood.

Category:

Trees