The 12th of May is the UN International Day of Plant Health, an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of plant health in our daily lives. Many celebrations occur every year all over the world.

In 2020 the Plant Health TV video contest was organized by the International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari) and the Euphresco network for phytosanitary research coordination and funding. 

The video, prepared by Kiril Sotirovski, presents Cryphonectria parasitica (chestnut blight), is one of the deadliest plant diseases. In the 50 years following its discovery, the fungus killed about 4 billion American chestnut trees Castanea dentata. The fungus is a threat for sweet chestnut Castanea sativa throughout Europe as well. A virus that lives in the fungus can decrease its virulence, and can then be used for the control of chestnut blight.