All about fungi

Sean Freeman

Anyone who's got an interest in building an understanding on the relationship between fungi and trees here's a really great starting point
http://bugs.bio.usyd.edu.au/learning...ity/fungi.html
Run by the Uni of Sydney its really great step by step good photos heaps of additional info like being in rolling talk from a mycologist

SF

http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/research_a...what_are_fungi

Eric Frei

And another Aussie govt link to support the topic, talk about gutting out your favourites list of secrets and documents to death folder. lol

Fungi of Australia

Wood Decay Fungi in Landscape Trees Management Guidelines--UC IPM

Introduction to Fungal Biology

Phellinus species
Phellinus is a genus of white rot fungus. These fungi generally degrade the lignin (strengthening material) components of the wood more rapidly that the cellulose (sugars) and lead to reduced wood strength. The decayed areas within the tree may extend 2-3 metres above or below the fruiting bodies.

Phellinus is thought to spread via spores off the fruiting body, found at the base of the tree trunk and through root to root contact in the soil.

The habit of the fungi and the methods of control are not known at this stage.

Armillaria luteobubalina
Armillaria is a soil borne fungus that causes root rot in a variety of native and exotic plants. The symptoms of the fungus include the death of branches, yellowing of foliage, poor vigour and the darkening and rotting of the larger roots.

During May to June, small mushrooms under the trees canopy or on the trunk and white threads of or fungi growth under bark trunk indicate a tree is infected with the fungus.

Armillaria spreads through root to root contact with infected trees, especially old decayed stumps and roots.

At present there is no simple method for controlling Armillaria so combinations of treatments are required. This includes the complete removal of the infected tree, including the tree stump and roots where possible and delaying the planting of new trees for as long as possible.

Phytophthora cinnamomi
Phytophthora is a microscopic soil borne disease that causes root rot in a wide variety of native and exotic plants. The pathogen is a virulent species and is of great concern as there is no known control.

Infection often results in the death of the plant, with earlier symptoms including wilting, yellowing and retention of dried foliage and darkening of young feeder roots and occasionally the larger roots.

The pathogen spreads through small swimming ‘zoospores’ and attach and infect roots. The spores and structures of Phytophthora are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye. There is no way of visually telling if the pathogen is present in the soil.

These spores are easily transported in storm water, drainage water, contaminated soil and on tools, footwear and vehicles. The spores are also capable of surviving for extended periods of time, and when conditions become favourable they germinate and renew the life cycle. This allows Phytophthora to survive in dead plant tissue for a number of years.

At present there is no one simple method for controlling Phytophthora cinnamomi. A combination of sanitation measures, good horticultural management, and selective use of some fungicides and the addition of organic matter to soils can be used to retard the activity of Phytophthora.

Attached Files

Phytophthora+cinnamomi+Strategy+2008+Victoria.pdf (1.48 MB, 64 views)

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Eric Frei

Excellent site with a list of Australian Species and their MYCORRHIZAL ASSOCIATIONS

Mycorrhizal Associations: Introduction

On this page there's lots of great info about roots.

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