Apols for top-posting. The bug in question is called cameraria
oridella. It's nothing like the Dutch Elm beetle and is definitely not
fatal, although unsightly. More information from Forest Research:

The horse chestnut leaf-mining moth is now widespread in London, the
south and Southeast and this year damage has been particularly bad in
East Anglia. Although very disfiguring there is no evidence to suggest
that the horse chestnut leaf miner causes either dieback or death of
infested trees and, providing that the tree is otherwise healthy, the
new leaves appearing in the spring will look fine. However, once
established in an area the moth seems to persist in high numbers and the
damage will gradually accumulate through the summer again and become an
annual event.

It can help to remove and dispose of the leaves after they have fallen
in the autumn. Although this will not eradicate the moth or prevent its
spread it can maintain the appearance of the foliage by delaying the
onset of the damage. Further details are on our website
www.forestresearch.gov.uk , which is regularly updated. I realise that
leaf clearance is not always a practical suggestion but currently
there's nothing else that can be done. In the long-term it is hoped that
a biological control system will be developed.



In article , dated Tue, 22
Aug 2006, Ron Button wrote
Dave ,slightly off subject ,but the brown and scorched looking chestnut
leaves are apparently due to an insect borne virus,prevalent all around
London,with possible fatal results.This areas green and pleasant enviroment
would be decimated if it continues,(shades of Dutch Elm ).
I am suprised that it hasn't reached your neck of the woods .no pun
intended..

RonB (Woodford Green...at the moment !)
"Dave.C" wrote in message
k...
I noticed whilst visiting Manor Park Cemetery (East London) today that
there
were large conker trees with all their leaves scorched dry and brown.
Although my grass at home has a tinge of green appearing there has been
little rain here since the 12mm a week ago. This is in stark contrast to
the
North of the county where our cricket match at Dunmow yesterday was in
some
jeopardy. I noticed how green everywhere was up there and apparently there
had been quite a lot of rain in the past few days where we have had
virtually none.

Dave, S.Essex. 17.3C, 1015mb, 66% RH, 26mm rainfall this month.





--
Kate B

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