Stopping a Hidden Enemy from Robbing Alabama's Valuableb Pine Stands

摘要

The thief comes when you leastexpect it, creeping in unseenand spreading its destructioneverywhere. This stealthyadversary is not human or animal, but afungus that robs loblolly pine trees oftheir value at their most productivepoint. This fungus, Heterobasidion annosum (also known as Fames annosus),saps the trees of their vigor by rottingaway at the roots. Lack of water andnutrients places the tree under a greatdeal of stress, making it more vulnerableto other pests, such as bark beetles.