Inonotus

Inonotus is a genus of fungi belonging to the Hymenochaetaceae family, notorious for causing significant wood decay in various tree species. These fungi are primary agents of white rot, effectively breaking down lignin and cellulose, which compromises the structural integrity of both living trees and dead wood.

The host range of Inonotus is broad, frequently affecting hardwood trees such as oak, birch, apple, and pear trees. In horticultural and forest environments, these pathogens can cause severe internal damage, often going unnoticed until the appearance of external fruit bodies or the decline of the host's vitality.

Visible symptoms of an Inonotus infection typically include the development of bracket-like or cushion-shaped sporocarps on the trunk or base of the tree. Other indicators include localized discolouration of the bark, the presence of oozing sap, structural weaknesses such as cavities, and a gradual thinning of the tree's canopy.

Development and spread occur primarily through spores dispersed by wind or insects. These spores exploit entry points in the host tree, such as pruning wounds, frost cracks, broken branches, or other mechanical injuries. High humidity levels and moderate temperatures significantly enhance the germination of spores and the establishment of the mycelium.

The economic and ecological impact is severe, as infected trees often become hazardous due to the high risk of breakage or windthrow. Control measures are focused on prevention: maintaining tree health, avoiding mechanical injury, and ensuring proper sanitation. If infection is detected, the following steps are crucial:

• Removal and destruction of heavily infested trees.
• Proper disposal of infected wood debris.
• Sterilization of pruning tools to prevent cross-contamination.
• Application of protective sealants to fresh pruning cuts.