Ash dieback (Chalara fraxinea) is a serious concern for one of Ireland’s most important native trees. Forest owners are asked to attend one of a nationwide series of information meetings to learn more about the disease and how we can all work together to eradicate it. These public information meetings are being organised by Teagasc in association with the Forest Service and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. They are being held in response to the recent findings of Chalara fraxinea in a number of young forestry plantations and other locations.
They will run from 20 to 31 May 2013 and will be held in local Teagasc offices. All meetings will start at 8 pm. Please see table below or www.teagasc.ie/forestry for more information on meetings in your area.
Nuala Ni Fhlatharta, Head of the Teagasc Forestry Development Department gave some background information to this threat: “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 causing significant damage to ash. The disease can affect ash trees of any age and can be fatal, particularly among younger trees.”
Noel Kennedy, Teagasc Forestry Adviser based in County Roscommon explained: “With more than fifty confirmed findings in Ireland, the information meetings will provide an important and timely opportunity for the public and in particular forest owners and farmers who have planted ash to learn more about the disease. The meetings will provide the latest news on Ireland’s campaign to eradicate the disease and offer an ideal forum to get answers to your questions about ash dieback.”
At these meetings, staff from Teagasc and the Forest Service will answer questions foremost in people’s minds:
- What is ash dieback?
- What does it look like?
- What is the current situation in Ireland?
- What to do if you have a suspect tree?
- What measures are being taken to eradicate the disease?
He concluded by saying: “The meetings will also address the consequences for forestry grant aid, REPS and AEOS. Particularly where ash dieback is confirmed in ash trees planted under these schemes.”
Remain vigilant! The key message to take home from these meetings is to be vigilant for this serious disease. It is important to heed this request even if you are unable to attend a meeting.
See table, or visit www.teagasc.ie/forestry for details of the events.
For more information on the Chalar (Ash Dieback) click here.
Source: Teagasc – Ash Dieback (Chalara Fraxinea) Public Information Meetings
