Does anyone have any details on the the above and its effect on hornbeam. Also whether it can cause defoliation and whether this is a bad year for it in the Uk.

Reply to post by Paul, on August 15, 2001 at 13:35:21:

This is hornbeam anthracnose. It infects leaves soon after budbreak, and can enter twigs through the petioles or through small lesions in the bark. It acts much as sycamore anthracnose in this way. The twig cankers can girdle the twigs, causing dieback. In the late 1980s we had a severe case one year where many hornbeams were severely dmaged, and some died as a result or were removed because they were so badly disfigured.

Remove fallen leaves before spring, since the fungus produces spores on them (including leaves of other species such as some alders and birches). Fungicides may be of some help in preventing new infections of the leaves. Prune out dead and cankered branches wherever possible.

Reply to post by Russ Carlson, on August 15, 2001 at 13:35:21:

many thanks for the assistance

Paul