Influence of changed ecological conditions of environment on occurrence of London plane (Platanus x hispanica Münchh.) anthracnose

Abstract

During 2004–2007, reappearances of anthracnose on Platanus × hispanica caused by the microscopical fungus Apiognomonia veneta
were recorded. Causal agent of the disease was isolated from symptomatic leaves and twigs, with characteristic spots and lesions, sampled from affected host trees growing in urban environment at the selected locality (Nitra). Subsequent identification and morphological description of fungal isolates was made by microscopical differentiation, according to the fungi identification key. Our study has confirmed interannual changes in the disease severity and influence of temperature in period decisive for occurrence and progress of the disease. Cool springs are more promoting severe plane anthrac-nose outbreaks. Repeated annual removal of twigs and leaves results in weakening of plane trees.