Chestnut blight

Chestnut blight, caused by Cryphonectria parasitica (formerly called Endothia parasitica), an Ascomycete fungus pathogenic to chestnut (see page "Biology of Cryphonectrica parasitica"). This disease is present throughout the French and European chestnut area. This pathogen infects the aerial parts and causes lesions as well as localized dieback leading to strong regrowth at the base of the infection (see page "Symptoms"). Possible management by biological control with a virus making the pathogen avirulent (see page "Management of chestnut blight disease").