Cerrenaceae fungi

The Cerrenaceae family comprises fungi within the Polyporales order, known primarily for their role in decaying woody tissue. These organisms are ecologically significant as decomposers, but in agricultural and arboricultural contexts, they are recognized as pathogens that compromise the structural integrity of trees.

The primary pathology associated with these fungi is white rot. The infection progresses as the mycelium penetrates deep into the heartwood, secreting enzymes that degrade lignin and cellulose. Over time, this biological process leaves the wood brittle and fibrous, ultimately reducing the tree's load-bearing capacity and causing internal hollows.

Host plants typically include a variety of broad-leaved trees and occasionally conifers. Orchards, ornamental parks, and forest plantations are common sites for infection, particularly where trees have sustained previous physical injuries, such as broken branches, frost cracks, or poor pruning cuts, which serve as entry points for spores.

Clinical signs of infection include the emergence of fungal fruiting bodies on the trunk or branches, often characterized by a crust-like or bracket-like appearance. As the decay advances, the tree may show signs of canopy thinning, reduced vigor, and premature leaf drop, culminating in total systemic failure if left untreated.

Effective management and prevention strategies include the following:

• Conducting regular sanitation pruning to remove infected wood.
• Properly sealing large wounds to prevent spore colonization.
• Sterilizing pruning tools between trees to avoid cross-contamination.
• Improving overall tree vitality through balanced irrigation and fertilization.
• Removing severely compromised trees and their debris to lower the local inoculum pressure.