Hohenbuehelia geogenia

Hohenbuehelia geogenia is a wood-decay fungus belonging to the Pleurotaceae family. In an agronomic and forest pathology context, it is classified as a facultative parasite capable of causing severe damage to the root systems of perennial woody plants and shrubs.

The causative agent of the disease is the fungus mycelium, which invades living or weakened root tissues. The type of disease is characterized as white wood rot. The fungus actively decomposes lignin and cellulose, leading to a rapid loss of the structural integrity of the plant's root system.

This pathogen most often affects deciduous tree species, including oak, beech, and various fruit crops growing in high-moisture soil conditions. In orchards and forests, the fungus establishes itself at the base of the trunk, gradually spreading to the main skeletal roots of the plant.

The primary symptom of infection is the appearance of characteristic fungal fruit bodies in the root zone, which have a funnel-like or fan-shaped form and a greyish-brown hue. As the disease progresses, chlorosis, premature leaf drop, crown dieback, and a general decline in the tree's vitality are observed.

The development of the fungus is favored by high humidity, the presence of decaying organic matter in the soil, and trees weakened by adverse environmental factors. Preventive measures include avoiding root damage during soil cultivation, timely removal of stumps and infected plant debris, and maintaining optimal soil moisture balance in the area.

• Spatial isolation of infected sites.
• Sanitary culling of severely affected specimens.
• Improvement of soil aeration to prevent moisture stagnation.
• Monitoring the overall immune health of woody crops.