Turkey tail

Pathogen and disease type. Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) is a wood-decaying basidiomycete fungus that causes white rot. It acts primarily as a saprotroph, but it can aggressively colonize weakened or stressed living trees, breaking down lignin and cellulose within the wood structure.

Host plants and damage. The fungus is a wide-ranging pathogen affecting numerous broadleaf tree species. Vulnerable hosts include common ornamental and forest trees, such as the Elm (Elm), oak, birch, and various fruit-bearing orchard trees. Entry points are typically wounds, pruning cuts, or structural damage to the bark.

Symptoms and signs. The most distinctive sign is the presence of shelf-like, fan-shaped fruiting bodies, characterized by vibrant, concentric zones of different colors, resembling a turkey's tail. Internally, the infected wood turns pale and becomes spongy or fibrous, losing all structural integrity over time.

Development conditions. The pathogen thrives in moist environments and persists on dead wood, fallen branches, and stumps. Spores are dispersed by wind and rainfall, entering the tree through exposed sapwood. High humidity and poor air circulation around tree trunks facilitate the rapid colonization and growth of the fungal mycelium.

Harmfulness and protection. The primary danger is the progressive structural decline of the tree, increasing the risk of trunk failure. Prevention and control strategies involve:

• Prompt removal of decaying wood and stumps from the growing site.
• Sanitizing pruning tools to prevent the spread of spores.
• Protecting the bark from mechanical damage and sunscald.
• Ensuring optimal tree health through proper fertilization and stress management.