Diatrype stigma

Common tarcrust

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.

Map

Symptom

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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

Pest group: Fungi

Affected part of wood: Sapwood

Depth of damages: Under bark only, Up to 0,5 cm depth, Up to 2 cm depth, Up to 5 cm depth

The extent of damage: Individually - one place

Prevalence in Europe: Very common

Damaged products: Firewood, Fresh timber logs (water still in the sapwood), Furniture, Lumber, boards and prisms, Wood chips, Wooden house constructions

Roundwood size: Branches and twigs, Diameter 50+, Diameter from 10 up to 50 cm

Wood discoloration: Yes

Pest subcategory: White-rot