Corticium Root Rot
Corticium galactinum (Fr) Burt
J. D. Solomon, F. I. McCracken, R. L. Anderson, R. Lewis, Jr., F.L. Oliveria, T.H. Filer, and P.J. Barry
Importance – The fungus causes root rot on many hardwoods and conifers in the United States. It has a wide host range and causes extensive damage to oaks growing on poor sites.
Identifying the Fungi – The white mycelial mat covers the root crown and roots. It can be detected easily by removing the soil around the base of the tree. The fungus produces a very inconspicuous fruiting structure that can be seen only with the aid of a microscope.
Identifying the Injury – Thin crowns are the first symptoms usually observed. Some suckering and undersized leaves may appear before the trees die. Trees may die in a growing season and retain leaves until the following year. Root damage can be observed by removing soil from around the root crown. Trees may be windthrown because of the root rot.
Biology – The fungus can live as a saprophyte on roots and stumps. The spread is caused by infected roots in close association with living roots cause the spread. Insects also disseminate the fungus to healthy trees.
Control – In intensively managed plantations or in urban forestry, removed dead trees to reduce spread to adjacent trees. Rate of spread in soil is about 1 foot (0.35 m) per year.
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