Split gill fungus

Split gill fungus is a disease of woody plants caused by the basidiomycete fungus Schizophyllum commune. This microorganism belongs to the group of wood-decay fungi, which are capable of causing intensive white rot in both weakened living trees and dead wood debris.

The fungus affects a wide range of deciduous and coniferous tree species. In orchards and forestry, common targets include fruit trees such as apple, pear, and plum, as well as forest trees like birch, oak, and maple. The pathogen enters the trunk and branches through mechanical injuries to the bark, pruning cuts, or broken branches.

The primary symptom of infection is the emergence of distinctive fungal fruiting bodies on the bark. These are fan-shaped or kidney-shaped, covered in grey or white fuzz, and feature characteristic split gills on the underside, which serve as a key diagnostic feature. Wood tissue in the affected area becomes brittle, fibrous, and loses its structural integrity.

The development of the fungus is favored by high humidity, moderate temperatures, and the presence of open wounds on tree trunks. Spores are dispersed by the wind; when they land on damaged bark areas, they germinate rapidly into mycelium. The disease thrives in poorly maintained orchards where regular sanitation and wound care are neglected.

Control measures rely on integrated preventive strategies. It is essential to conduct regular sanitary pruning of infected branches followed by their immediate destruction. Any cut with a diameter exceeding 2 cm should be sealed with horticultural wax or oil-based paint. Maintaining high standards of orchard management helps prevent physical damage to the bark and improves the overall resilience of the plants.