Scaly bracket

Scaly bracket (scientific synonym Cerioporus squamosus) is a wood-decaying fungus that acts as a pathogen in woody plants. In agronomic practice, it is recognized as the cause of white heart rot, a condition that severely compromises the structural integrity of deciduous trees, leading to significant economic losses in fruit orchards and forestry.

The fungus primarily targets weakened or stressed host plants, including apple, pear, plum, and walnut trees. It enters the tree through wounds, pruning cuts, or frost cracks in the bark. Once established, the mycelium secretes enzymes that break down the lignin and cellulose within the wood, effectively hollowing out the internal structure of the tree trunk.

Symptoms are often not visible until the fungus has significantly damaged the internal wood. The most obvious indicator is the emergence of large, fan-shaped fruiting bodies with dark, scaly patterns on the upper surface. These brackets are usually found growing in clusters on tree trunks or stumps, signalling that the wood decay is already in an advanced stage.

The development of the fungus is highly dependent on environmental conditions, particularly high humidity and moderate temperatures. The spores are primarily wind-dispersed, allowing the pathogen to colonize new hosts rapidly if they possess any open wounds. Proper orchard sanitation is critical to preventing the spread of this fungus from infected trees to healthy specimens.

To control and prevent the disease, it is essential to focus on tree vigor and wound management. Regular pruning should be performed using sterilized tools, and all major wounds should be treated with appropriate protective sealants. If a tree shows significant structural decay caused by the fungus, it should be removed to prevent further spread of spores within the growing area.