Physalacriaceae

The Physalacriaceae family includes a diverse group of fungi that are significant in the context of plant pathology and forest ecology. While many species are essential decomposers, others are well-known pathogens that cause destructive diseases in both forest stands and agricultural orchards.

The primary diseases caused by these fungi are types of white rot and root rot. The pathogens infect trees by colonizing the root system or entering through wounds in the bark, gradually breaking down the structural integrity of the wood and leading to the eventual decline of the host plant.

These fungi affect a wide variety of woody plants, including conifers and broad-leaved species. In agricultural settings, fruit trees are particularly susceptible if they have been weakened by environmental stressors like drought, waterlogging, or previous pest damage that allowed fungal spores to infiltrate.

Symptoms of an infection include the presence of rhizomorphs beneath the bark, wilting foliage, and the development of distinct fruit bodies at the base of the trunk or on roots. As the disease progresses, the wood loses its strength, becoming soft and spongy, which significantly increases the risk of trees falling.

Managing and preventing these infections requires a proactive approach. Key measures include the removal of infected trees and their root systems, proper orchard sanitation to prevent the spread of spores, and maintaining tree vigor through adequate fertilization and irrigation. Chemical treatments are limited and usually focus on protecting fresh wounds from initial colonization.