The Fungus on a Bamboo Plant

Identification

• Bamboos are likely to get infected with the Armillaria mellea fungus, which causes armillaria root rot. The soil-borne fungus enters the plant through the roots. The disease is also referred to as shoestring disease.

Damage

• Armillaria fungus infects and starts to destroy the cambial or water-conducting tissues in the plant. Major plant roots and the lower trunk area are the first to die. Visible symptoms include stunted and discolored foliage followed by leaf drop. Plant branches and stems start to decline. The entire plant is slowly killed.

Control

• Since the fungus persists in soil and old roots for extended periods, make sure the site is clear of all roots before planting. Use resistant varieties to minimize chances of disease. The University of California recommends air drying the soil as a preventive measure.