Chlorociboria rot

The causative agent of this specific wood disease belongs to the Chlorociboriaceae family, with Chlorociboria aeruginosa being the most recognized species. It is an ascomycete fungus that acts primarily as a saprotroph. While it does not typically behave as an aggressive pathogen for healthy, living trees, it colonizes decaying timber, affecting its internal structure and aesthetic properties.

This infection predominantly affects hardwood species, including oak, beech, alder, and birch. The fungus is frequently observed on fallen logs, stumps, forest debris, and untreated lumber stored in damp environments. In certain instances, it may colonize live trees through wounds, frost cracks, or broken branches, where the wood is already weakened or exposed to external moisture.

The primary symptom is a distinct, deep green or turquoise staining of the wood fibers. The fungus produces these pigments to compete with other wood-decaying organisms and secure its environment. In periods of high humidity, tiny, cup-shaped fruiting bodies emerge on the surface of the infected wood, exhibiting a vibrant blue-green color that makes the presence of the fungus easily identifiable.

The development and spread of Chlorociboriaceae are heavily dependent on high moisture levels and moderate temperatures. Fungal spores are disseminated by wind or insects, landing on exposed wood surfaces. The organism thrives in shaded, damp forest settings where logs or branches are in direct contact with the soil or wet forest floor, facilitating rapid colonization of the woody tissue.

• Conducting regular sanitary logging to remove decaying debris.
• Ensuring proper stacking and drying of harvested lumber.
• Application of specialized wood preservatives and fungicides.
• Reducing mechanical damage to standing tree trunks.
• Controlling ambient humidity levels in lumber storage facilities.

The economic impact of Chlorociboriaceae lies in the degradation of wood quality for structural applications. While the resulting «green-stained wood» is sometimes valued for artisanal crafts and decorative woodworking, it is generally considered a defect in commercial timber. The fungal activity leads to the degradation of the wood structure, potentially compromising its mechanical integrity and increasing its susceptibility to further decay by other microorganisms.