Santa & Cole, Ediciones de diseño S.A.

A disease of the London plane, known in Europe but until now never officially found in Spain, has been detected in a small plantation in Calonge (Baix Empordà, Girona). It is a question of the fungus Ceratocystis platani, which only affects the genus Platanus and has caused high mortality in the south of France, Italy and Greece. The specimens infected by this disease die within a few years and there is no possibility of a cure.

On being a quarantine organism for the EU (EPPO), the destruction of the specimens affected must be carried out in accordance with the protocol of action established by the Department/Ministry of Agriculture of the corresponding autonomous community. It is highly likely that quarantine measures will be established, with the destruction of all the specimens affected, in addition to the creation of a security zone around the affected plant and the immobilization of the remaining plants. It is transmitted very easily in implanted trees, due to the contact of the roots, with pruning tools, machinery or even with water on watering. The symptoms begin with a loss of strength in the tree, the leaves wither and finally, the most distinctive aspect, the characteristic canker appears as a vertical reddish stain all down the affected trunk.

The only variety of plane tree resistant to this fungus is the Platanus PLATANOR® "Vallis Clausa", obtained by the French INRA after fourteen years of research, for which Santa & Cole Tree Nursery Division holds exclusive growing rights for the Iberian Peninsula. A deciduous tree of horticultural origin, it reaches a height of 20 to 30 m. and a breadth of 6 to 12 m. with an ovoid crown. It produces a dense and cool shade. The trunk is characterized by its light green and ochre hues, becoming detached in small patches. The leaves are palmated, of a light green colour, brown in the autumn. The fruit, hanging, round and hairy, comes out at the beginning of the autumn and stays on the tree all winter.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PLATANUS PLATANOR ® "VALLIS CLAUSA"

Technical advantages
Resistant to Ceratocystis platani (canker stain) on the trunk.
Resistant to Ceratocystis platani (canker stain) on the root.
Resistant to Apiognononia veneta (plane tree anthracnose).
50% - 70% resistant to Microsphaera platani (oidium).
50% - 70% resistant to Corythucha ciliata (sycamore lace bug).

Ecological and environmental advantages
It is a tree which withstands urban pollution and wind well, in addition to the cold and even major frosts.

It has inherited from the species Platanus orientalis the rustic quality which allows it to develop correctly in much more difficult soils. There are no pH demands for the soil, and even extreme cases of excess salinity could easily be corrected.

Introduction of a microchip
The identity of each young specimen of the variety PLATANOR® is guaranteed with the introduction of a microchip. On reading this chip the authenticity of the tree can be checked, and its exact origin known, thus preventing unauthorized multiplication.

Certificate of authenticity
Each consignment is delivered with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Identification label
Each tree is supplied with an individual label which identifies the brand, the variety and the commercialization number.

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