Phellinus noxius

Phellinus noxius is a species of fungus in the family Hymenochaetaceae. It is a plant pathogen that causes brown root rot disease, affecting a wide range of tree species in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Taxonomy

The species was first described scientifically by mycologist William Alphonso Murrill in 1907. The specific epithet noxius is derived from the Latin word for "harmful", referring to its pathogenic nature.

Description

Phellinus noxius produces fruit bodies that are perennial, tough, and woody. They are typically found at the base of infected trees or on the roots. The upper surface of the fruit body is dark brown to black, and the underside, where the spores are produced, is yellowish-brown.

Distribution and habitat

Phellinus noxius is found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Asia, Australia, Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands. It is a saprophyte, living on dead organic material, and a pathogen, causing disease in living trees.

Pathogenicity

Phellinus noxius causes brown root rot disease, which can affect more than 200 species of trees, including economically important crops such as cacao, coffee, and rubber. The fungus infects the roots of trees, causing decay and eventually death. It can also cause significant damage in forestry plantations and urban landscapes.

Management

Control of Phellinus noxius is difficult due to its wide host range and the underground nature of the infection. Management strategies include the use of fungicides, removal of infected trees, and the use of resistant tree species.

See also

• List of Phellinus species
• Brown root rot