white fungus at base of fig tree - Ask Extension
Hi,
I noticed some white fungus at the base of some of the trunks of my fig tree. Looking on your website, I am concerned it is sclerotium and I will...
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white fungus at base of fig tree #792665
Asked May 25, 2022, 5:47 PM EDT
Hi,
I noticed some white fungus at the base of some of the trunks of my fig tree. Looking on your website, I am concerned it is sclerotium and I will need to remove this beautiful tree that my kids used to climb in when they were little. Really hoping it's not that, but something that I can treat. If it is that, is there any chance I could remove just the trunks that have the fungus and leave the others?
Thank you for your guidance.
Ruth
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
We think this looks like fungus similar to Zylaria polymorpha (sometimes called 'dead man's fingers'- yuk!)
It is a type of root or crown rot. It primarily moves into dead or damaged wood and could have started on the limbs that are now partially gone, and can cause a slow death.
We can't promise that it will help, but we think your plan of removing the stumps or limb pieces that are affected is a good idea. Unfortunately there is no treatment suggested.
Keep an eye on it. If it returns and seems to be spreading, it looks like you have baby root sprouts nearby. Those could be easily dug and placed elsewhere in the yard if desired.
Christine
It is a type of root or crown rot. It primarily moves into dead or damaged wood and could have started on the limbs that are now partially gone, and can cause a slow death.
We can't promise that it will help, but we think your plan of removing the stumps or limb pieces that are affected is a good idea. Unfortunately there is no treatment suggested.
Keep an eye on it. If it returns and seems to be spreading, it looks like you have baby root sprouts nearby. Those could be easily dug and placed elsewhere in the yard if desired.
Christine
