The crash of the ash
THIS IS the time of year when the typical summer symptoms of ash dieback appear.
When inspecting your ash trees, look out for brown, wilting ash leaves on one individual branch surrounded by healthy branches with green ash leaves. It may be the first sign that ash dieback has arrived.
It looks very similar to frost damage but in the case of ash dieback, only one branch is affected while the other branches on the same tree may look green and healthy.
The diseased branch will gradually die back gradually changing colour as the fungus moves from the infected leaves through the branch to the main stem. When the disease arrives in the main stem, lesions will form above and below the affected branch.
Ash dieback is a serious disease of ash trees caused by the fungal pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (previously known as Chalara fraxinea).
It has spread rapidly across much of Europe. The disease can affect ash trees of any age and in any setting. The disease can be fatal, particularly among younger trees. Only ash species are affected, trees such as sycamore, oak, beech or mountain ash (rowan) are not susceptible.
To better understand what to watch out for, watch the latest Teagasc video illustrating typical summer symptoms of ash dieback. This video is presented by Dr Gerry Douglas, Principal Research Officer with Teagasc. He explains how to recognise ash dieback during the summer months.
If you see something you suspect is ash dieback, please contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (01-607 2651, forestprotection@agriculture.gov.ie). If you have a smartphone with you, you can also use the web-based Tree Check app (www.treecheck.net). It allows you to report details with a photograph and location of suspect diseased trees directly to the Department for investigation. Once received, your report will be assessed by plant health inspectors.
However, keep in mind to only take a picture; do not take samples as it could assist in spreading this serious disease.