Root Diseases of Pecan Trees

Cotton Root Rot (fungus Phymatotrichum omnivorum)

Key words: Soil-borne disease, rapid death, fungus

Cotton root rot disease is a soil-inhabiting pathogen that attacks a wide range of host plants including the pecan. The roots of the pecan tree are invaded and killed, disrupting the transportation of water to the leaves. The fungus girdles the trunk near the soil line. Trees invaded by the cotton root rot fungus produce yellow foliage and become defoliated. Diseased trees die quickly after becoming infected. Losses have been observed as long as 13 years after planting. An effective control for cotton root rot disease has not been developed. New orchards should not be planted in soil having a history of cotton root rot disease and replanting is not recommended in those sites where trees have been lost to this fungus.

 

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