Ceratocystis wilt of elm

Ceratocystis harringtonii is a dangerous pathogenic fungus from the Ascomycota group that causes specific damage to woody plant species. The pathogen belongs to the Ceratocystidaceae family and is responsible for causing vascular mycosis, which severely disrupts the plant's water transport system.

The primary hosts for this fungus are various species of elm (genus Ulmus). The pathogen actively attacks the vascular system of the tree, blocking the flow of water and nutrients, which inevitably leads to the progressive dieback of branches or the total death of the tree.

A key symptom of the infection is the sudden wilting of foliage, yellowing, and premature leaf drop. Upon examination of branch or trunk cross-sections, characteristic dark brown or black ring-like lesions (necrosis) can be observed in the annual growth rings, indicating the blockage of vessels by fungal mycelium.

The development of the disease is closely tied to the activity of wood-boring insects, particularly bark beetles. These vectors introduce fungal spores into healthy tree tissues while creating their galleries. Optimal conditions for the spread of the pathogen include periods of high humidity and temperatures that support the active metabolism of the fungus within the wood.

• Conducting regular monitoring of tree health and stand conditions.
• Prompt sanitary felling and destruction of infected trees.
• Control of insect vectors using insecticides and pheromone traps.
• Selecting and planting resistant species and cultivars of elm.
• Disinfecting pruning tools after working on infected specimens.