Dieback of Lombardy Pops.

[alliaria]

Hi ,

Apologies if this has already been covered, but in the Bristol area many Lombardies are showing signs of partial or severe dieback in the canopy. This has been going on for a number of years. Strouts mentions something called unexplained dieback of Lombardies.

My own forays have come up with Cryptodaiporthe populae (discosporium in another stage) but I have not seen raised pustules on fallen twigs, pycnidia? although many show signs of cladoptosis..

It has got so severe that the worst affected are being removed.

Any ideas.

Cheers.

[alliaria]

Was it something I said?

[MattyF]

Most poplars I've seen with die back in east Anglian is down to moth damage, look around the base for bore holes that have become infected with decay.

[alliaria]

Hi Matty,

Is that the hornet clearwing moth?

No signs of exit holes on these.

Cheers

[MattyF]

I believe so .... I would be at a loss to guess then, root compaction or damage ?