Catabotrydaceae

The Catabotrydaceae family comprises a group of ascomycete fungi that function as specialized pathogens or opportunistic colonizers of woody plants. These organisms primarily target the bark and phloem tissues, often taking advantage of environmental stress or physical injuries to establish their presence within the host plant's internal structure.

The disease is caused by fungi that produce distinct stromatic structures, which erupt through the epidermis of the affected wood. This biological process leads to necrosis of the host tissues, effectively disrupting the plant's nutrient transport system and significantly weakening its physiological resilience against further environmental damage.

Host plants most commonly affected by Catabotrydaceae include various deciduous trees, with a notable presence on species such as birch and alder. The pathogen's ability to survive in both living and dying wood allows it to persist in the environment, making it a persistent challenge for both professional foresters and garden managers.

Symptoms of the infection typically appear as darkened, hard stromatic eruptions on the bark surface. As the disease progresses, the surrounding bark may show signs of cracking, discoloration, and eventual peeling. In severe cases, branches may lose structural integrity, leading to dieback and the overall decline of the infected tree's canopy.

Management and prevention focus on maintaining host vigor and eliminating sources of inoculum. Recommended practices include:

• Implementing strict sanitary pruning to remove infected wood immediately upon detection.
• Disinfecting pruning tools to prevent the mechanical transmission of fungal spores between trees.
• Applying protective fungicides during dormant periods to coat bark surfaces.
• Improving overall tree health through adequate irrigation and balanced soil fertilization to enhance natural defense mechanisms.