[Illustration: Fruiting body of Lucidus root and butt rot on
mimosa.]
_Polyporus lucidus_ is the cause of root and basal stem decay of
hardwood trees throughout the eastern, central, and southern portions of
the United States. The fungus is known to attack and kill maple,
hackberry, orange, lemon, ash, sweetgum, oak, locust, elm, tupelo,
willow, and mimosa. Mimosa trees are very susceptible to attack by _P.
lucidus_ throughout the South.
The disease is characterized by a rapid decline and death of the host.
Examination of infected roots will reveal a soft spongy white rot with
black spots scattered throughout. Fruiting bodies are formed at the base
of infected trees or on the surface of exposed roots. The mature
fruiting bodies are a reddish brown above and white below, with the tops
and stems appearing glazed or varnished. The fungus is believed to gain
entrance into the host through bark and root injuries and can spread
from infected to healthy trees through root contacts and grafts.
No control is known for this disease. Avoidance of lawnmower and other
mechanical injuries to the base of roots of susceptible shade trees will
reduce the chance of infection by the fungus. The spread of the disease
from infected to healthy trees can be reduced by planting at a wide
enough spacing to avoid root contacts and grafts.
_If you find damage on your trees from insects or diseases you may
consult with any of the following offices or your state forester._
FIELD OFFICES:
_Alexandria Office_
U.S. Forest Service
2500 Shreveport Highway
Pineville, Louisiana 71360
Phone A/C 318 445-6511 Ext. 311
FOR STATES OF:
Alabama
Arkansas
Louisiana
Mississippi
Oklahoma
Texas
_Asheville Office_
U.S. Forest Service
P.O. Box 5895
Asheville, North Carolina 28803
Phone A/C 704 254-0961 Ext. 625
FOR STATES OF:
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
_AREA OFFICE_
Group Leader
Forest Pest Management Group
U.S. Forest Service
1720 Peachtree Street, N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Phone A/C 404 526-3734
[Illustration: Forest Environment: WEATHER FIRE PEOPLE SOIL ABUSE
PESTS]