Knowledgebase

Help Save a Duseased Little Gem Magnolia #784261

Asked March 17, 2022, 1:50 PM EDT

A little gem magnolia was planted to replace a Japanese Maple killed by the freeze. It had two wounds low on the trunk that have a rust colored fungus growing and moisture evident below the wounds. I have sprayed with AzaMax, Liquid Copper Fungicide and Neem Oil in attempt to stop the fungus with no improvement.

Harris County Texas

Expert Response

I checked with our plant pathologist. Please see his comments below. Here is a link to find a certified arborist in your area. https://www.treesaregood.org/

Possibly Darcymyces or could also be a Tremella sp.


AzaMax and Neem (Neem derivatives) will not have any activity on these.


Copper – may, but need a ton – and that could kill the tree too (so NO).


There are no labelled fungicide for these species, so No official statement on fungicide.


That said – it is a fungus and likely to be sensitive to some fungicide.


Also, what is seen is the fruiting body. While you can get rid/affect the fruiting body – it does not or minimally impact the fungus that is growing in the tree.


This is one to suggest consultation with a certified arborist and quite likely that some form of injection therapy would be suggest by the consulting arborist.

Thanks for the question.


Paul Winski Replied March 25, 2022, 1:50 PM EDT

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