Observatree Blog
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Blog
Host of the month - Pine
Observatree Scientific Coordinator Matt Parratt discusses Pines (Pinus) and Dothistroma needle blight (DNB).
Matt Parratt • 09 Jul 2025
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Blog
Observatree Pest and Disease Review 2024
Charles Lane and Rowan Howe from Fera Science Limited take us through Observatree's annual pest & disease review and discuss some new potential priorities going forward.
Charles Lane • 03 Jul 2025
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Blog
Host of the month - Beech
Matt Parratt highlights Beech (Fagus sylvatica), its associated Beech leaf disease (BLD) and how to spot it.
Matt Parratt • 19 Jun 2025
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Blog
Observatree Visit to Shibden Hall Park
Charles Lane reflects on a recent Observatree visit to Shibden Hall Park.
Charles Lane • 29 May 2025
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Blog
Observatree Visit to Rosliston Forestry Centre
Charles Lane reflects on a recent Observatree visit to the Rosliston Forestry Centre.
Charles Lane • 28 May 2025
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Blog
Host of the month - Elm
For this month's host tree of interest, Matt Parratt focusses on Elm (Ulmus species) and Elm zigzag sawfly (Aproceros leucopoda).
Matt Parratt • 15 May 2025
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Blog
Plane Lace Bug: A Delicate Micro Menace Concealed in the City
On the 25th of July 2024, a public observation was made on iNaturalist of an interesting tiny bug found on someone’s bag in central London. A scientist from Defra spotted the report and gathered more information from the informer, believing it to be a specimen of the plane lace bug (Corythucha ciliata) due to its lace-like appearance and the location of the find in central London, where London plane trees abound.
Amirah Nigoumi • 30 Apr 2025
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Blog
Canker Stain of Plane Trees: A Silent Legacy of World War II
Canker stain of plane (caused by the fungus Ceratocystis platani) may be a rather obscure pathogen to most, but its story intertwines with one of history’s most turbulent chapters: World War II.
Duncan Allen • 29 Apr 2025
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Blog
Host of the month - Cedar
This month Matt Parratt takes a look at Cedars and Sirococcus blight.
Matt Parratt • 17 Apr 2025
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Blog
Host of the month - Oak
Matt Parratt discusses Oak (Quercus species) and Acute oak decline.
Matt Parratt • 20 Mar 2025