Splanchnonema platani is a fungus in the genus Splanchnonema. It was formerly known under the name Massaria platani.[2] The anamorph of the fungus is known as Macrodiplodiopsis desmazieresii. The fungus has caused serious damage to plane trees across Europe.

Splanchnonema platani
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Dothideomycetes
Order: Pleosporales
Family: Pleomassariaceae
Genus: Splanchnonema
Species:
S. platani
Binomial name
Splanchnonema platani
M.E. Barr [1982] [1]
Synonyms

Massaria platani Ces. (1861)

Massaria disease

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The disease, commonly known as Massaria disease, infects branches of plane trees.[3] The fungus has usually been considered to be a weak parasite causing only minor damage such as twig dieback in warmer Mediterranean climates.[2] However, in the 21st century it has been found associated with branch death and rapid decay within other parts of Europe, most notably Germany and Austria, the Netherlands, and parts of France.[2] Damage caused by this fungus has been reported in the southern United States.[2] The first formal identification of the disease in the United Kingdom came in March 2011.[3]

The disease seems to be specific to London plane, Oriental plane and American plane.[3] The disease causes large lesions on the upper sides of branches associated with branch drop.[2]

References

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  1. ^ "Splanchnonema platani". MycoBank. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Massaria disease". Forestry Commission. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
  3. ^ a b c "Massaria disease of plane trees". Treetree. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
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