Survival of Ceratocystis fimbriata var. platani in the soil
Several trials have been carried out in France in order to assess the survival of Ceratocystis fimbriata var. platani (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) in the soil. Results have shown that the fungus could survive for at least five years in large pieces of infected wood and infected sawdust buried in the soil. The authors stressed that due to this long survival, replantation of planes on places previously infested presents a high risk, as it is extremely difficult to remove all infected tissues in the soil after the destruction of diseased trees. In addition, machinery should not pass over these infested sites as it could then spread the fungus to other places.
Sources
Grosclaude, C.; Olivier, R.; Romiti, C. (1996) Chancre coloré du platane, comment l'agent responsable peut survivre dans le sol.
Phytoma - La Défense des Végétaux, No. 479, 41-42.