Background: Ash Dieback is a serious disease of ash trees caused by the fungal pathogen Chalara fraxinea (Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus). 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.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has confirmed a finding of the disease (Chalara fraxinea) in Ireland. As a result, the Department is carrying out a number of measures.
Symptoms: Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is susceptible to Ash Dieback as are a number of other species of ash. The disease can affect ash trees of any age and in any setting. Deaths can occur, with younger trees (less than 10 years old) suffering mortality more rapidly, while the infection can be chronic in older trees. The wide range of symptoms associated with Ash Dieback includes:
- Foliage wilt, black/brown leaves may be retained
- Shoot dieback with brownish to orange discolouration, often multiple shoots
- Elongated angular stem lesions, often diamond shaped
Foliage wilt Shoot dieback Elongated angular stem lesions
Note, symptoms similar to the above may be caused by other factors, e.g. frost.
Disease Pathways: Many details associated with the biology of Chalara fraxinea still remain unclear. However, it is likely that plants for planting and wood are pathways for spread over long distances and the disease may be introduced into Ireland through the imports of ash plants and wood, including firewood from continental European countries.
What to do: Forest and land owners are asked to be vigilant for the disease and to report (with photographs, if possible) any sites where they have concerns about unusual ill health in ash, to the Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
- by e-mail (forestprotection@agriculture.gov.ie)
- by phone (01-607 2651)
Please do not remove any plant material from a site containing suspect trees. Also, please observe the following hygiene measures on sites where the disease is suspected, to help avoid its potential spread.
- Footwear: Wash off all soil & plant debris from boots. Spray your boots with disinfectant and dispose of any used water onto an area where the water will not run into a watercourse.
- Clothing: Check all clothing for any plant material.
- Tools & Equipment: Wash off all soil & plant debris and disinfect and dispose of any used water onto an area where the water will not run into a watercourse.
Please highlight this serious disease by downloading and displaying this Chalara poster (2.5 MB) in a prominent place.
