Tomentella stuposa

Tomentella stuposa is a species of basidiomycete fungus in the family Thelephoraceae, which is identified in agricultural and silvicultural settings as a causative agent of plant decay. While often found as a saprotroph in forest litter, it can act as a pathogen, particularly when environmental conditions favor its aggressive colonization of living host tissues.

The disease primarily manifests as root and root collar rot. As a basidiomycete, the pathogen establishes itself at the base of the plant, where it begins to degrade the outer bark and underlying vascular tissues, effectively disrupting the hydraulic transport system of the host plant.

This pathogen typically affects young trees, nursery saplings, and sensitive shrub species. The fungus is highly dependent on environmental moisture; it thrives in sites with poor soil drainage, high humidity, and dense canopy cover, which prevent the soil surface from drying out effectively.

Symptoms of an infection include the development of thin, spreading brown fungal mats around the base of the stem or collar. As the disease progresses, the plant exhibits signs of systemic stress, including chlorosis, canopy thinning, and premature needle or leaf drop. The underlying bark often becomes soft and discolored, indicating extensive fungal mycelium growth.

Integrated management is crucial for the control of Tomentella stuposa. Key practices include:

• Improving soil drainage and site aeration.
• Reducing planting density to promote air circulation.
• Applying preventive bio-fungicides containing Trichoderma species.
• Removing and destroying severely infected plant debris to reduce inoculum load.