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How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Kiwifruit
Armillaria Root Rot
Pathogen: Armillaria mellea
(Reviewed 3/07,
updated 2/09)
In this Guideline:
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Vines infected with Armillaria root rot usually completely collapse.
Occasionally, white
mycelial mats can be found under the bark at the soil line, but more commonly white mycelial strands are seen interwoven
through darkened cortical tissue. Dark, rootlike structures called rhizomorphs
grow from the root into the soil after symptoms develop on vines.
The fungus survives on diseased wood and roots belowground for many
years. Healthy plant roots can become infected when they come in contact with
inoculum from a preceding orchard crop or nearby oak trees. Although kiwifruit
plants are somewhat tolerant of this fungus, if the vine has already been
weakened by Phytophthora infection,
its death may be hastened by an invasion of A. mellea. Flood waters sometimes spread infected roots in a
vineyard. The fungus is favored by soil that is continually damp. Although the
pathogen produces mushrooms,
they are not considered significant in disease spread.
When clearing land for planting or replanting vines, carefully
remove and burn roots 1 inch or greater in diameter.
UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Kiwifruit
UC ANR Publication 3449
Diseases
J. E. Adaskaveg, Plant Pathology, UC Riverside
T. J. Michailides, Plant Pathology, Kearney Ag. Center, Parlier
W. D. Gubler, Plant Pathology, UC Davis
Acknowledgment for contributions to Diseases:
C. Arredondo, Plant Pathology student, UC Davis
K. Conn, Plant Pathology, UC Davis
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