Bracket Fungi – Shelf fungi – Polypores – Basidiomycetes

Bracket fungi Common name Bracket fungi Shelf fungi Polypores Causal agent It is caused by several species of fungi in the Basidiomycotina genera Scientific name Basidiomycetes Symptoms & Signs There are different types of bracket fungi that attack a specific type of species. However, all of them cause decay in the heartwood of the tree. A bracket or a shelf-like fruiting body appears on the trunk or branches, decaying the heartwood. This causes the weakening of the branches, which causes them to fall off. The heartwood decay appears as a brown or black spot on the inside. Transmission It spreads to other trees by means of spores that enter the tree by means of an open wound or injury. Animals and insects can also spread the disease to other healthy trees. Time of concern Throughout the year Common hosts Conifers Beech Apple Maple Elm