Honey Fungus: Identification and Administration

Honey fungus is an issue as a result of it has the potential to contaminate hundreds of crops and crops, together with massive areas of pure forest. There isn’t a registered management of this pathogen, and, as soon as it takes maintain, it is vitally troublesome to eradicate. Typically, bushes and crops have to be destroyed to manage this parasitic fungus.

By being conscious of honey fungus and recognizing the consequences of this fungal root rot, you might be able to do one thing about it earlier than it’s too late. As you learn, think about the “pink weed” as described by H.G. Wells within the fictional novel The Conflict of the Worlds and so graphically depicted within the film.

The Lengthy Reply

Clearly, honey fungus just isn’t a innocent, candy mushroom like its identify suggests. Let’s delve deeper into the biology of this pathogen, the way it spreads, and the right way to stop it.

What’s Honey Fungus?

Honey fungus was initially recognized within the 1800s. It grows extensively in North America and Europe, however another continents additionally present indicators of the fungus. Initially, scientists believed this fungus was solely the Armillaria mellea species. Nonetheless, a number of extra species of Armillaria have been found and in addition match beneath the frequent identify “honey fungus.” There’s loads of analysis nonetheless to do on the topic, because the species differ internationally. All of them share a parasitic nature and the power to kill their woody plant hosts.

The world’s largest residing organism is an Armillaria species (ostoyae), first found in 1998 in jap Oregon. The fungus covers almost 965 hectares of land. In keeping with scientists, it may be the oldest residing organism.

Identification

The below-ground fungal parasite usually produces fruiting our bodies (mushrooms) above the soil floor. If fruiting, it may be recognized by its yellow cap mushroom rising on the base of contaminated bushes and different woody crops.

The identify “honey” is due to its colour and never the distinctly acidic style. Some individuals contemplate the mushrooms edible, whereas others warn in opposition to consuming them uncooked, suggesting they’re solely secure when cooked. Like all wild mushrooms and foraged meals, you must use respected information books to obviously establish the fungus earlier than consuming it.

The caps of the mushrooms might be between two and 6 inches broad in colours starting from honey yellow to reddish brown. They’ve pale cream gills beneath with darkish reddish spots once they mature. The stems are three to 6 inches lengthy, with a particular stem ring forming close to the highest.

The way it Spreads

Honey fungus spreads in two primary methods – by way of spores and mycelial threads.

Basidiospores are discharged from the mushrooms and dispersed by wind, crops, or animals. When the spores land, they could develop on lifeless wooden stumps, leaf mildew, felled bushes, and so on., spreading all through a forest.

However essentially the most infectious approach this parasite spreads is by mycelium. Mycelial threads are additionally referred to as rhizomorphs or “bootlaces,” and may unfold as much as 10 toes lengthy to discover a new host. The fungus spreads underground by way of the soil and assaults the roots of recent crops. It then spreads by way of the contaminated roots to different crops within the neighborhood by way of the roots and enlargement of the rhizomorphs. Any wholesome plant in its path, whether or not mature or a seedling, might be contaminated.

The way it Kills

As soon as the rhizomorphs have taken maintain, they will trigger in depth root injury. Generally, the fungus spreads across the tree, successfully ring-barking it. An contaminated tree doesn’t have a lot probability of survival. The foundation rot might take some time to see visibly within the plant, or it might kill the plant rapidly.

What Vegetation it Infects the Most

Conifers, broad-leafed bushes, fruit bushes, woody shrubs, and perennials are prone to this parasite. From the smallest seedling to the most important forest tree, most woody crops might be contaminated. That is an equal alternative parasite.

There are not any recognized crops which might be fully resistant to this root rot fungus, however there are these which might be extra susceptible to getting the illness. These embrace peaches, pepper bushes, apples, pears, privets, beech, birch, hydrangeas, and magnolias.

What to Search for Above Floor

Autumn is the principle season to identify the mushrooms above floor.

Bushes or crops which might be confused are extra prone to assault. Areas the place the pure vegetation is disturbed or cleared are particularly weak to an infection.

Contaminated bushes and crops will generally exhibit dieback, an absence of recent leaves, or paler-colored leaves in spring. You may additionally see the higher crops of the plant die again, particularly in sizzling, dry durations.

Simply earlier than a plant dies, two opposing indicators may occur: They might cease flowering, or they might exhibit a large flowering interval with a great deal of fruit.

Some crops will bleed sap and crack, have insect infestations attributable to a confused plant, or begin shedding their bark on the base of the plant.

What to Search for Under Floor

The mycelial threads or rhizomorphs are black threads that kind a construction paying homage to aliens. This alien-looking root system spreads alongside parallel strains with aspect ‘roots’ spreading throughout the lattice. This lattice will transfer by way of the soil by way of the highest eight or so inches . They like to stay near the floor of the soil.

The rhizomorphs additionally kind a sample of parasitic threads between the bark and the stem of bushes and crops. Generally, the one technique to establish it’s by eradicating a number of the bark on the base of the plant.

Lifeless or decaying roots will usually have a really sturdy mushroom scent.

Management Choices

These are a number of the management and preventative choices to contemplate when you discover this parasite in your backyard.

Prevention

There will not be many types of prevention that may work on this parasite, however decreasing plant stress will go a great distance in discouraging fungal ailments or pests normally. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and never compacted.

Additionally, don’t injury or waterlog the roots. They want air to carry out their essential duties of absorbing water and vitamins, and won’t be able to take action if their roots are drowning. Waterlogged, compacted soil creates an area the place root rot fungi can simply colonize your plant or tree.

Chemical Management

There’s but no efficient chemical management or registered fungicides for the management of honey fungus. It is strongly recommended to take away an contaminated plant and burn it instantly, together with the roots and any stumps.

By destroying its meals supply, you’ll destroy the fungus. If you happen to’re uncertain whether or not or not you must do that, seek the advice of your native extension workplace.

Organic Management

Though there may be nothing registered for the management of honey fungus, there are some choices obtainable. For instance, a naturally occurring ‘good’ fungus referred to as Trichoderma is a plant protector. In some research, it was discovered efficient for the management of some Armillaria species. Trichoderma is present in mulches and woody plant supplies, however it is usually obtainable as a product that may be added to stimulate plant progress and assist shield the roots.

Some management might be achieved by limiting the unfold of the mycelial threads. Do that by putting bodily limitations in its approach, like a heavy plastic barrier buried across the plant to at the least 18 inches deep. Additionally, when you break up the wooden bits usually, it’s going to gradual the unfold of the fungus.