Diseases of sweet chestnut (Castanea spp.)

Abstract

The only species of Castanea of any importance in Britain and the rest of Europe is C. sativa, the sweet or Spanish chestnut. This tree, which is native in the Mediterranean area, is grown in more southerly parts of Europe for its nuts as well as for its timber, though in some areas, especially in Italy, it has declined in importance because of damage by the chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica. In Britain it was probably introduced by the Romans, and it is now widespread and often naturalised in large parts of the south and east. It is still grown there as coppice for fencing, hop poles, etc., and if grown as a standard it produces valuable timber. It is important as an ornamental in parks and gardens. Though sweet chestnut fruits ripen in southern England, they remain small, and nearly all the chestnuts sold for eating are imported.