News Published: 14 February 2024

We are seeking gardens across the UK to help us monitor the Canker Stain of Plane, contributing to an early warning system & enhancing preparedness for this serious fungal disease

In collaboration with Forest Research, BGCI’s International Plant Sentinel Network (IPSN) is working with botanic gardens and plant collection organisations across the UK to monitor Canker Stain of Plane (Ceratocystis platani). While this destructive fungal disease has not yet reached the UK, it has been rapidly spreading from Southern France and Italy, threatening the health of the iconic London plane trees.

Currently, 11 organisations have joined us (see the map below), but we are particularly looking to fill in key gaps across the UK to ensure the monitoring network spans as widely as possible.

How to Get Involved?

By participating, you will help create a national network of monitoring sites using passive spore traps, improving our ability to detect this disease early, enabling better preparedness and a faster response. If your organisation is interested in joining, then please:

• Complete the sign-up form as soon as possible, so we can get in touch and share additional guidelines
• We will provide passive spore traps, and all necessary material for monitoring
• Your role will be to set up the traps and send us the filter papers monthly
Sign-up Form

About Canker Stain of Plane:

Canker stain of plane is a devastating fungal disease affecting multiple species of plane trees (Platanus genus). Introduced to Southern France and Italy from North America at the end of WWII, it has been steadily advancing northwards and is now found in Paris and Nantes. The disease spreads through wounds and root contact, causing dieback and potentially killing trees within months or years. Infected trees show distinctive “leopard spot” staining of the wood, a key indicator of the disease’s presence. Unfortunately, once the disease is present, it is extremely difficult to eradicate due to the ease with which new infections are caused and the labor-intensive process of removing infected trees.

For further information: (Forest Research CSP factsheet)