Citizen science identifies the effects of nitrogen dioxide and other environmental drivers on tar spot of sycamore

Elevated sulphur dioxide (SO₂) concentrations were the major cause of the absence of symptoms of tar spot (Rhytisma acerinum) of sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), in urban areas in the 1970s. The subsequent large decline in SO₂ concentrations has not always been accompanied by increased tar spot symptoms, for reasons that have remained unresolved.

The study used a large citizen science survey, providing over 1000 records across England, to test two competing hypotheses proposed in earlier studies. The authors were able to demonstrate the validity of both hypotheses; tar spot symptoms were reduced where there were fewer fallen leaves as a source of inoculum, and elevated nitrogen dioxide concentrations reduced tar spot symptoms above a threshold concentration of about 20 μg m⁻³. Symptom severity was also lower at sites with higher temperature and lower rainfall.

These findings demonstrate the power of citizen science to resolve competing hypotheses about the impacts of air pollution and other environmental drivers.

Read the article (external link to journal)