Armillaria mellea, commonly known as oak root rot fungus, is a fungal pathogen that sporadically appears in various regions, infecting over 25 species of ornamental trees and shrubs. This fungus is especially known for the distinctive honey-colored mushrooms that sprout from the roots and base of infected plants. While oak trees are particularly susceptible, Armillaria can affect a wide range of plants, including fruit and nut trees, ornamentals, and herbaceous plantings. In this article, we will delve into the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Armillaria root rot, offering valuable insights for gardeners and arborists.
Life Cycle
Armillaria is found sporadically in the Midwest’s soil. The fungus primarily spreads through root-to-root contact or via root-like fungal strands. These strands grow through the soil, attaching to host roots or root collars they encounter. Successfully attacked trees don’t die until infections girdle the tree’s base. Armillaria may begin to grow when a healthy tree dies of other causes. Young trees are more susceptible to Armillaria, while trees aged 15-20 years are more tolerant of attack.
🪴Symptoms
- Reduced Growth: Infected plants exhibit reduced height growth as a result of Armillaria disrupting nutrient uptake and transportation within the host.
- Sparse Foliage: Foliage becomes sparse, and leaves that remain on the plants are often stunted and discolored, taking on a yellow hue.
- Abnormal Sap Flow: An abnormal flow of sap may be visible at the root collar, a telltale sign of Armillaria infection.
- Black Root-Like Strands: When soil is removed from the base of an infected plant, black, root-like strands become visible, often attaching themselves to larger roots.
- Fungal Mats: White to dark, fan-shaped mats of fungal strands develop between the bark and wood in infected root and trunk tissues.
- Honey-Colored Mushrooms: The most distinctive and positive sign of Armillaria infection is the production of clusters of honey-colored mushrooms at the base of the tree near the soil line. These mushrooms can have stalks 4 to 6 inches high and caps measuring 1 inch high and 2 to 4 inches wide.
🪴Treatment
- Removal and Destruction: Remove and destroy infected material, including as much of the stump as possible. Sterilize tools with a solution of 1-part bleach to 9-parts water after use.
- Proper Moisture and Fertilization: Ensure adequate moisture in well-drained soil to maintain plant vigor and resistance to infection. Fertilize trees appropriately in late winter or early spring.
- No Effective Chemical Controls: Unfortunately, no effective chemical controls are known for Armillaria root rot. However, there are several plant species reported to be resistant, including black cherry, bald cypress, dawn redwood, ginkgo, hackberry, holly, Leyland cypress, maple, smoke tree, sweet gum, white fir, and wisteria. Consider these species as replacements for diseased trees, using new soil to amend the planting site. Remove all diseased material and associated roots as thoroughly as possible before replanting.
Armillaria root rot can be a serious threat to trees and shrubs in your garden or landscape. Understanding the symptoms, diagnosing the disease, and implementing effective management strategies are key to protecting your plantings from this destructive fungal pathogen. Whether through integrated pest management or organic methods, addressing Armillaria root rot requires diligence and a proactive approach to ensure the long-term health and vitality of your greenery.