Plane decline in European and Mediterranean countries: associated pests and their interactions

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Abstract
Surveys on the spread of the main pests of plane (Platanus spp.) and on their influence on the decline of this genus in recent years have been carried out in various European countries. Of the primary pests which have been detected, Ceratocystis fimbriata f.sp. platani, agent of canker stain, has spread through several of the northern Mediterranean countries, causing death of trees; Gnomonia platani, agent of anthracnose, has spread mainly in the north‐central Mediterranean areas; Microsphaera platani, agent of powdery mildew, has spread throughout almost all Mediterranean countries; so also has the insect Corythucha ciliata, which causes yellowing of the foliage. On trees declining under the interaction of these pests, secondary pests, agents of bark necrosis and, above all, of wood decay, are often detected. Ganoderma spp. are the main wood‐decaying pathogen and can cause lethal root rots, especially if favoured by various kinds of stress. The trends and interaction of these pests in northern Italy are considered and control measures are discussed.