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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Byron, Georgia » Fruit and Tree Nut Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #174019
Title: ARMILLARIA ROOT AND CROWN ROT

Author
item COX, KERIK - UNIV OF GA
item SCHERM, HARALD - UNIV OF GA
item Beckman, Thomas

Submitted to: Southeastern Peach Growers Handbook
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/22/2002
Publication Date: 11/9/2004
Citation: Cox, K.K., Scherm, H., Beckman, T.G. 2004. Armillaria root and crown rot. Southeastern Peach Growers Handbook. Available: htpp://www.ent.uga.edu/Peach/peach_handbook/armillaria.htm

Interpretive Summary: Armillaria Root Rot (ARR) is an important problem facing southeastern US peach producers. Growers need information about its management. The Peach Production Guide was recently rewritten to incorporate new information on the management and control of a large number of production issues, including ARR. Information on ARR symptoms and signs, disease development and control was rewritten and updated for this edition. Careful adherence to the management practices presented should help growers minimize losses to ARR.

Technical Abstract: Armillaria Root Rot (ARR) is second only to Peach tree short life (PTSL) as a cause of premature peach tree mortality in southeastern US peach production areas. Two species are of importance, A. mellea and A. tabescens, though the latter appears to be more common. Armillaria attacks the root system of a wide variety of tree species and can persist for years in the soil even in the absence of a host. Most peach seedling rootstocks are very susceptible. Above ground symptoms are typical of a stress pathogen. Close examination will reveal a distinctive white mycelial mat beneath the bark of roots. Control of ARR is extremely difficult once established in an orchard. Pre-plant inoculum reduction, rootstock selection, sanitation and chemical control are all important components of a management program.