The smothering fungus, Thelephora terrestris, is a mycorrhizal fungus associated with many coniferous species. It has a wide distribution and readily invades fumigated soils. It can occasionally grow up the stems of bareroot or container-grown seedlings, particularly where dense growth shades seedling bases. This habit gives it the name, "smothering fungus." The fruiting body of the fungus initially forms a collar around the lower stem and, in serious infestations, grows upward (Figure 60), smothering the seedling. It develops and matures on the seedling or surrounding surfaces such as styroblocks. The fungus does not rot tissue; however, severe smothering could result in mortality. Management practices that reduce humidity are important. These include growing seedlings at lower densities, carefully managing irrigation, and increasing ventilation in greenhouses.
Hacskaylo, E. 1965. Thelephora terrestris and mycorrhizae of Virginia pine. For. Sci. 11: 401-404.
Zak, B. and D.H. Marx. 1964. Isolation of mycorrhizal fungi from roots of individual slash pines. For. Sci. 10: 214-222.
|
Other Fungi |
Insects |
Environmental |
|---|---|---|
|
Gray mould |
|
Overcrowding |
|
Principal, locally grown hosts |
Host age and season when damage appears |
|
Nursery type and location |
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bareroot |
Container |
|||||
|
Age |
Season |
Coastal |
Interior |
Coastal |
Interior |
|
|
All species |
1+0 |
Throughout growing season |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Click on any image to see the full size version. Press "Back" on your browser to return to this screen.
Figure 60. Smothering fungus on container-grown spruce.