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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

Blog

Observatree volunteers are helping to unravel complicated relationships between Curreya pithyophila and Scotland’s national tree

Dr Flora Donald, a Tree Health Policy Officer at Scottish Forestry, explains how Observatree volunteers are helping to unravel the mysterious issue of Curreya pithyophila in Scotland. 

Dr Flora Donald  •  20 Aug 2025

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

Blog

Host of the month - Plane

This month Matt Parratt delves into the world of Plane trees, Plane lace bugs and Canker stain of plane (formerly known as 'Plane wilt').

Matt Parratt  •  21 Aug 2025

Blog

Host of the month - Ash

Matt Parratt takes a close look at Common ash, Chalara ash dieback, and Emerald ash borer.

Matt Parratt  •  20 Nov 2025

Tree health

The importance of biosecurity

Good biosecurity practice can reduce the risk of introducing or spreading pests, diseases and invasive species.