Patellariaceae fungi

The Patellariaceae family comprises a group of fungi belonging to the order Patellariales. While many species within this family are saprotrophic, living on decaying organic matter, some may act as opportunistic pathogens that target weakened or injured trees, potentially leading to bark necrosis and wood decay.

The pathogens are characterized by the production of ascomata, which are typically small, dark-colored, cup-shaped or discoid fruiting bodies. These structures develop directly on the surface of the bark or exposed wood, serving as the primary source of spore dispersal through wind and splashing rain.

Host plants primarily include various deciduous and coniferous tree species. The fungi invade living tissue through open wounds, such as pruning cuts, frost cracks, or mechanical damage. Once established, they disrupt the vascular functions of the bark, significantly impairing the tree's physiological processes and overall stability.

Symptoms include the appearance of dark, disc-like fungal clusters, cracking of the bark, and localized lesions. As the infection progresses, affected branches may show signs of wilting, thinning foliage, and premature death, making the tree more susceptible to secondary infestations by wood-boring insects and other parasites.

Effective protection and management focus on preventing infection by maintaining tree vigor and treating wounds promptly. Sanitation is critical: removing and disposing of infected wood helps reduce the inoculum level in the environment. Additionally, applying protective sealants or fungicides to fresh cuts can effectively block pathogen entry.

• Regular sanitation pruning to remove infected deadwood.
• Protecting tree trunks from sunscald and frost cracks.
• Disinfecting pruning tools between different trees.
• Applying appropriate fungicide treatments to significant bark wounds.