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Diatrype stigma

Common tarcrust

Description

Diatrype stigma is a saprophytic to weak parasitic fungus striking by forming the black 1 mm thick cork-like stroma on relatively large surface areas of branches and trunks. It infects dead and lying trunks and branches, but also dying and weakened branches in lower part of trunk suffering from lack of light and nutrients. Thus, it helps to natural debranching of trunks. However, it gradually penetrates through damaged bark to wood of not only dead but also of living standing trunks and causes its white rot. Protection lies in keeping stand hygiene.

Symptom

Black coating under cracked bark.

Tree Species: Birch, Beech, Cherry, Oak, Hawthorn

Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk, Branch

Pest significance: Harmful

Pest Category: Fungi

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes