The fire crust fungus is an ascomycete that not only decomposes dead wood. It also attacks living specimens of some tree species, including birch. He appears inconspicuous and is therefore discovered late. Often too late, because it is one of the most dangerous wood-degrading fungi.
How dangerous is the burn crust fungus for birch trees?
The fire crust fungus causes intense soft rot inside the trunk and roots, while the sapwood around it is spared. Thereduction in breaking and stability is therefore often not recognized in time. Sudden overturning can result in serious property damage and personal injury.
How can I recognize an infestation with burn crust fungus?
The fruiting bodies of this ascomycete (perithecia), which appear on the outside when a fungus is infected, are unmistakable, but at the same time inconspicuous. They form hiddenat the base of the trunk and in root niches. So be sure to take a closer look in this area.
- The white-gray secondary fruit form appears in spring
- not arched, but spread out flat
- The main fruit form emerges in summer
- it clings to the trunk for years
- forms abumpy, black crust
- resembles a charred burnt crust
- cracks when finger pressed
There is a risk of confusion with the diverse coalberry, which, however, initially appears reddish-brown.
Which other trees are susceptible to burn crust fungus?
The burnt crust fungus (Kretzschmaria deusta, syn. Hypoxylon deustum and Ustulina deusta) is very dangerousmany tree species, especially deciduous trees The most important host trees in Europe are beech, hornbeam, linden, Norway maple, Buckeyes. Willows, plane trees, ash trees, oaks and poplars also suffer from this fungal attack.
How does an infection with the burn crust fungus occur?
It is assumed that the fungal sporesmainly get into the interior of the trunk via root injuries. Bark damage and other wounds are also possible entry points.
How do I find out if my birch tree is still stable?
For laypeople it isalmost impossibleto determine the stability with certainty. Because from the outside, the birch, which has become brittle on the inside, can still make a very vital impression. Get theSupport from experts who can, among other things, determine the resistance to breakage by drilling trunks.
How is burn crust fungus combated?
The burn crust fungus cannot be combatedeffectively. Infection can also hardly be prevented because the fungus can spread invisibly from tree to tree in the root area. The infection usually ends withfelling of the birch tree.
Tip
A black fungus on the birch tree is called chaga and is he althy
A slightly different looking black fungus can also grow on the birch tree. This is the Schillerporling slate, known as Chaga or Tschaga. It is not dangerously wood-decomposing, but rather a stroke of luck for us humans. The medicinal mushroom has many he alth-promoting ingredients and has been used as a medicinal mushroom for centuries.
