Research into the cause of horse chestnut bleeding disease

Looking into the cause of bleeding disease is complex and time-consuming. Bacteria from the group Pseudomonas syringae have been shown to cause horse chestnut bleeding disease. Bacteria from this family can act as a pathogen in different crops, depending on the growth conditions.

An overview of the current research:

  • At this time, additional infection trials are being carried out at a location in the Netherlands. The Pseudomonas syringae bacteria isolated in the fall of 2005 are being introduced into older trees. Research shows that the bacteria are the true cause of the disease. In addition, the nomenclature of the bacteria is being researched and a phylogenetic analysis is being carried out (taxonomy).
  • The Aesculaap Working Group is once again asking Dutch cities to survey healthy and sick horse chestnut trees to ascertain the seriousness of horse chestnut bleeding canker in 2006 and to establish the rate of spread. To Survey 2006
  • In a practical trial in Houten, lesions were treated with different sprays and ointments to test whether these substances could stop the chestnut tree from ‘bleeding’.
  • Research into site factors based on results from the 2005 national survey is currently being carried out in the cities of Leiden and Oegstgeest.
  • Samples of wood, bark, flowers, roots and soil are being collected from a number of locations and analysed under the microscope. The Pseudomonas syringae bacteria found earlier are being investigated further. The defence mechanism of the horse chestnut tree is also being investigated, as well as the influence of stress factors. In addition, research is being done into management and disease control strategies to develop effective practical advice. Researchers are also studying whether the presence of the Pseudomonas syringae bacteria also causes bleeding disease in other tree species.

 

 

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