Differing Responses to Cryphonectria parasitica at Two Indiana Locations

Chestnut blight, a disease that has spread rampantly among American (Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh.) and European chestnut (C. sativa Mill.) trees, results from infection by the fungal pathogen Cryphonectria parasitica (Murrill) M.E. Barr parasitica). This fungus was introduced in early 1900s almost functionally eliminated trees North landscape. In 2017, we collected blight samples two sites (Site B, (Fulton Co., IN) Site C (Marshall IN)). At Fulton County planting, cankers had formed, healed over, were healthy. However, at second site Marshall County, C), continued to propagate until all of died back ground. Research evidence worldwide indicated these visual clues likely result presence hypovirus. Upon closer inspection subsequent isolation reproduction spores, no hypovirus been identified either site. Here, present curious coincidence where one completely succumbed disease, while other able spring health.