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Almost every gardener is faced with the problem of parasitic fungi appearing on an apple tree. This sign indicates a decrease in the tree’s immunity. In this case, it is important to understand the reason why mushrooms appeared on the apple tree and take corrective measures in a timely manner. Otherwise, they can destroy not only one tree, but the entire garden.
The outer parts of the fungus do not harm the tree
Why do mushrooms grow on trees?
The main reason for the appearance of parasitic fungi on an apple tree is damage to the bark through which spores penetrate inside.
Provoking factors:
- broken branches;
- frost breakers;
- improper processing of cuts;
- cracks;
- detachment.
Basically, the integrity of the bark is damaged under the influence of sudden temperature changes, which, together with improper garden care, can lead to a similar problem.
Why are mushrooms on an apple tree dangerous?
The danger of mushrooms lies in their secrecy, since it is impossible to detect the lesion at the initial stage. Spores carried by the wind, getting into the wound of the tree, begin to germinate quickly.This leads to the formation of a mycelium inside the apple tree, which secretes special enzymes that change the structure of the trunk. After all, when feeding, it takes vital components from the tree, which significantly weakens it.
Mycelium can develop inside a tree for several years without manifesting itself in any way. And only later do fruiting bodies appear, indicating damage.
What mushrooms grow on apple trees
There are several types of mushrooms that can be found on an apple tree. Some are capable of quickly destroying a tree, while others are characterized by slow growth of mycelium. A symbiosis option is also possible, when the apple tree and mushrooms coexist peacefully. However, this phenomenon has not yet been sufficiently studied.
Polypores
This is the collective name for several types of fungi that grow on tree trunks and branches, causing them to rot. The fruiting body of tinder fungi is prostrate and sessile. It can be in the shape of a hoof, an ear, or a hat. Mushrooms are attached to the trunk of the apple tree with the whole body or just the stem, depending on the species. The pulp is hard, fleshy, its structure can be corky, fibrous, leathery, woody.
Polypore is a perennial fungus that is difficult to control on an apple tree. But if you take timely measures, you can significantly extend the life of the tree.
The surface of tinder fungi is covered with a hard matte crust, the surface of which may have cracks. The color of these mushrooms can vary from light to dark, and there are also brightly colored tinder fungi.
Fruiting bodies appear on the apple tree five years after infection and are placed on the trunk in the form of shelves one above the other. Polypores are characterized by increased resistance to any weather conditions: cold, heat, high humidity. The weight of these mushrooms can vary from 1 to 20 kg. And the diameter of the cap reaches 20-200 cm. The age of the mushroom can be determined by the rings, which are clearly visible on the cap. The parasite needs light and high humidity to grow.
Polypores can settle in the garden not only on an apple tree, but also on a pear
Lichens
These are lower microorganisms that consist of fungi and algae that successfully complement each other. Lichens appear on weakened old apple trees. They look like many plates or scales covering the trunk and branches.
Initially, such growths may be small and concentrated near cracks and knots. As the problem worsens, they grow and increase in size.
Lichens come in the following shades:
- silver;
- gray-blue;
- greenish;
- yellowish.
Favorable conditions for the rapid growth of these fungi: high humidity and temperature. Lichens do not cause damage to the tree, like other types of parasitic fungi, since they do not feed on it, but only use it as a support. But if mushrooms are not removed from the apple tree in a timely manner, they will become a haven for larvae and overwintering pests.
Lichens appear on the trunk and branches of the apple tree on the north side
milky shine
This type of fungus initially affects the foliage of the apple tree, and only subsequently spreads to the trunk.Clear signs can be detected in the spring, when young foliage becomes covered with an ivory-colored coating. The cause of this is the fungus S. purpureum (Pers) Fr.
By mid-summer, the affected leaves turn brown and dry out. Sometimes you can find detachments in the form of bubbles on them. Also, signs of a milky sheen appear on the wood. They appear as brown spots of varying intensity on the cut.
In the absence of control measures, an apple tree affected by milky sheen dies within three years
Comber
This fungus causes the development of stem rot. It forms fruiting bodies in the form of white caps with a gray tint, on which there are clearly defined zonal stripes. The comb plant appears not only on fruit trees, but also on deciduous trees.
Numerous small white mushrooms are located one above the other on the trunk of an apple tree and are attached sideways. As they spread, the infection increasingly affects the tree and causes the affected areas to dry out.
The comb can also spread to shrubs
Autumn honey fungus
This parasitic fungus belongs to the edible category. The fruiting bodies have a standard shape, that is, they consist of a cap and a stalk. The upper part of the mushroom is initially hemispherical, but later becomes flat and even depressed. In young specimens, the cap is spherical and fits tightly to the lower part.
The leg is solid, can expand at the base, and is light in color. As it grows, the lower part of the mushroom becomes fibrous. The shade of the cap is light or dark brown, and it is more saturated in the center.
This mushroom belongs to the lamellar category. The spore sac is intense white. The favorable period for growth is the end of August and before frost.Fruiting is wavy with intervals of several weeks.
In young fruiting bodies, the upper and lower parts are covered with numerous scales. As they grow, their number decreases. As soon as these mushrooms appear on the trunk of an apple tree, it is necessary to urgently treat the tree. Because they cause stem rot, which destroys the tree from the inside.
Autumn honey mushrooms feed on apple trees and form entire families
Basidial
This category includes higher fungal organisms. And they got their name because their spores mature in special organs - basidia. Most often they appear on the apple tree in the form of a coating and resemble rust.
The amount of damage they cause depends on the type of basidiomycete. But in any case, their appearance is a reason for treatment.
Basidial fungi include four distinct families
Oyster mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms may also appear on apple trees. It is a low-calorie edible mushroom. The size of the cap varies from 3 to 15 cm. Initially, the upper part has a rounded shape and rolled edges, but as it grows it takes the shape of an oyster shell. This feature served as the name of the species.
Fruiting bodies grow throughout the summer, but the most favorable period for their development begins at the end of September and continues until frost.
These mushrooms have a dark gray cap with a purple, bluish or brown tint. In damp weather it becomes covered with a faint light coating. The leg is thickened and short. They can only appear on old apple trees that are already affected by tinder fungi.
Oyster mushrooms do not grow on treated trunks and branches
Chaga
This is a type of tinder fungus.Chaga mushrooms appear on the apple tree 3-4 years after the onset of infection and appear as shapeless growths. Their surface is covered with cracks and is black in color. And inside there is dark brown cork pulp, which has a lighter shade closer to the tree trunk. The growths are completely penetrated by numerous white veins consisting of colorless hyphae.
Chaga can grow for 10-20 years. But ultimately, the growth of the mycelium leads to the death of the tree. Timely treatment when a fungus appears on an apple tree can delay it for a long time.
Chaga most often affects birch trees
Other
There are other types of mushrooms that can be found on apple trees. They are microscopic in size and initially appear as small spots on the trunk and branches. But as they multiply, the affected areas noticeably increase in size. This leads to a significant weakening of the tree, a decrease in yield, and subsequently to the death of the apple tree.
These types include:
- black cancer;
- cytosporosis;
- rust.
What to do if mushrooms grow on an apple tree
The fight against fungi on an apple tree should begin as soon as characteristic signs of infection appear. Only in this case can we count on the tree being able to live and bear fruit for quite a long time.
Algorithm of actions:
- Remove the fruiting body using a knife, hacksaw, or hatchet to clean wood.
- Sand the area with sandpaper or a wire brush to create a relatively smooth surface.
- Treat the area where the mushrooms grew on the apple tree with 5% copper sulfate.
- When the area dries, you should cover it with garden varnish or oil paint.
After removal, the mushroom must be burned
Prevention measures
Following simple preventive measures helps protect the garden from parasitic fungi. But this is possible with regular implementation.
To prevent mushrooms from appearing on the trunk and branches of the apple tree, you need to:
- whitewash trees in a timely manner;
- remove dry and broken shoots;
- discharge the crown;
- treat wounds with garden varnish;
- fill emerging hollows;
- feeding should be done taking into account the developmental phase;
- carry out preventive spraying with fungicides;
- destroy pests when signs of damage appear;
- remove and burn fallen leaves.
All preventive measures are aimed at maintaining high immunity of the tree.
Conclusion
If mushrooms appear on an apple tree, then it is necessary to take urgent measures to combat them. However, it should be understood that removing fruiting bodies does not exclude the possibility of tree death. Because the mycelium could have already spread throughout the vascular system. And you can extend the life of an apple tree if you provide it with proper care.
