[7][8] The disease has been reported in Europe, Oceania, and has recently been found in North America;[9] for this reason, the fungus is considered a potential threat to the reintroduction of the American chestnut.

The fungus is believed to initially establish endophyte colonization of chestnut tissues, only becoming pathogenic with ripening of the nuts.

The fungus persists as a saprophyte in duff, such as burs, fallen leaves and other residua, which act as the reservoir for formation of perithecia with eventual release of spores.

[12] The fungus also kills the chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus and has been proposed as a potential natural biocontrol agent against insect pests, based on studies of its effect on Plodia interpunctella and Trogoderma granarium.

[14] In a chestnut orchard context, strategies for managing Gnomoniopsis castaneae infections include aggressive pruning of infected branches, maintaining tree health via proper hydration and nutrient provision so as to improve resistance, and fungicide application when necessary.