ARMILLARIA MELLEA root rot remedies

Categories : , Chronology

Index

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Armillaria Mellea: fibrous root rot

Armillaria M. or Chiodino mushroom is a mushroom also known in the past as "mushroom asparagus", as the cap and part of the stem are edible and appreciated in the kitchen for their flavor and aroma. Hyphae can infect deciduous and coniferous trees, becoming deadly enemies of many cultivated and uncultivated plants.

It is a very dangerous fungus on stone fruits, pome fruits, citrus fruits, olives, kiwis, vines, in soils of different nature and structure.

Even in the kitchen, the nail mushroom, although highly appreciated, should be used with a minimum of caution, as it is toxic if eaten raw.

Armillaria mellea is responsible for peach root rot (fibrous root rot), apricot root rot and stone fruits in general.

Fungi attributable to the genus Armillaria are dangerous pathogens that can infect both broad-leaved and coniferous plants and more specifically, as far as cultivated plants are concerned, it can create problems on pome fruits, citrus fruits, olives, kiwis, vines, in soils of different nature and structure.

Although not a determining factor, certainly armillaria, like all fungi, prefers adequate humidity and does not need wounds on the bark to enter the host.

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Where there is a plant there can be Chiodino Mushroom and Armillaria mellea

Sometimes it is the fungus, cap and stem, that reveals its presence before the signs of suffering of the plant itself. It attacks roots, collar and even trunks, spreading through rhizomorphs or through mycelial cords (a set of hyphae intertwined with each other whitish in color). It should be emphasized that these structures are attracted by the root exudates of healthy plants, for this reason its diffusion will take on the so-called "oil spot" pattern.

The symptoms on the aerial parts initially manifest themselves with dieback of the leaves, phyloptosis and desiccation until the death of the plant or part of it.

The first means of defense against Armillaria Mellea is of an agronomic nature and consists in containing the spread of the infection by eliminating the tillage, thus avoiding the spread of the fungus that is transported with the appropriate mechanical tool (plough, tiller, clod breaker, harrows).

There are no chemical means for the fight against Armillaria Mellea. For some years, however, an antagonistic fungus has been successfully used: Trichoderma harzianum or viride, or both, available on the market in different formulations.

We recommend formulations, from the Micosat line, because they contain consortia of fungi and bacteria from the rhizosphere, including trichoderma.

The choice of consortia is dictated by the need to support and respect natural balances: if we use an exclusive mushroom with a very high load, it becomes hegemonic and takes over the rhizosphere to the detriment of other useful fungi and bacteria, disturbing the balance of that site.

Micosat , on the other hand, provides fungi and bacteria in balance with each other, ready to occupy and fill any "biological voids", thus maintaining that balance of nature.

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Author's Note

Balance is fundamental and is respected with balanced fertilization, balanced pruning, adequate processing and correct water management.

There are no standard and universal rules or measures, since each soil, like each crop, has its own needs.

In general, the soil must be kept moist beyond the field capacity; the part of the soil explored by the roots must be moist but also oxygenated, because an excess of water reduces the circulation of oxygen and sends the plant into distress which then becomes vulnerable to the aggression of fungi and harmful bacteria, including the armillaria.

We reiterate that a healthy plant is able to defend itself from the aggression of both fungal and animal parasites.