LUCIDUS ROOT AND BUTT ROT
Fruiting body of Lucidus root and butt rot on mimosa.
Polyporus lucidus is the cause of root and basal stem decay of hardwood trees throughout the eastern, central, and southern portions of the United States. The fungus is known to attack and kill maple, hackberry, orange, lemon, ash, sweetgum, oak, locust, elm, tupelo, willow, and mimosa. Mimosa trees are very susceptible to attack by P. lucidus throughout the South.
The disease is characterized by a rapid decline and death of the host. Examination of infected roots will reveal a soft spongy white rot with black spots scattered throughout. Fruiting bodies are formed at the base of infected trees or on the surface of exposed roots. The mature fruiting bodies are a reddish brown above and white below, with the tops and stems appearing glazed or varnished. The fungus is believed to gain entrance into the host through bark and root injuries and can spread from infected to healthy trees through root contacts and grafts.
No control is known for this disease. Avoidance of lawnmower and other mechanical injuries to the base of roots of susceptible shade trees will reduce the chance of infection by the fungus. The spread of the disease from infected to healthy trees can be reduced by planting at a wide enough spacing to avoid root contacts and grafts.
If you find damage on your trees from insects or diseases you may consult with any of the following offices or your state forester.
FIELD OFFICES: Alexandria Office U.S. Forest Service 2500 Shreveport Highway Pineville, Louisiana 71360 Phone A/C 318 445-6511 Ext. 311 FOR STATES OF: Alabama Arkansas Louisiana Mississippi Oklahoma Texas Asheville Office U.S. Forest Service P.O. Box 5895 Asheville, North Carolina 28803 Phone A/C 704 254-0961 Ext. 625 FOR STATES OF: Florida Georgia Kentucky North Carolina South Carolina Tennessee Virginia AREA OFFICE Group Leader Forest Pest Management Group U.S. Forest Service 1720 Peachtree Street, N.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30309 Phone A/C 404 526-3734
FOREST PEST MANAGEMENT GROUP
Southeastern Area S. and P. F.—7 1972