Ceratocystis fimbriata sensu lato causes canker and wilt diseases of urban park trees in Hanoi, Vietnam

Cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum cassia), ironwood tree (Erythrophleum fordii), African mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) and kassod tree (Senna siamea) are grown in large numbers in urban areas in Vietnam. However, there is mounting concern for the viability of these tree species due to recent tree mortality. We described a new disease causing stem cankers, discolored wood, wilting and tree death in urban areas and forest plantation parks. From β-tubulin gene sequencing, we concluded that Ceratocystis fimbriata is causing disease in C. cassia, E. fordii, K. senegalensis and S. siamea in Hanoi, Vietnam. Fungal isolates were shown to be pathogenic on seedlings of these four host plants in a nursery trial. Cankers on trees were associated with wounding caused by humans, insects or animals. To minimize further damage, wounding should be limited and appropriate management solutions should be identified, especially for old trees.

DOI: 10.1007/s42360-024-00734-0