Root symptoms on 1-0 yellow-poplar nursery stock.
The most practical and effective control for root rot diseases of this type involves strict quarantine to either keep the disease out of the nursery or keep it confined to known infected areas by avoiding the transportation of root material, organic matter, and soil from infected to non-infected seed beds. Soil fumigation may control this disease if applied under favorable conditions.
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.