Red Root and Butt Rot
caused by Inonotus circinatus

Inonotus circinatus causes a root and butt rot of slash, sand, and shortleaf pines in the South. It is the fungus most often associated with diseased sand pines over 20 years old.

Identification:

The fungus produces fruiting bodies in the fall and winter on the bases of affected trees and winter on the bases of affected trees and from infected subsurface roots. Fruiting bodies are firm-textured and yellowish-brown, and can be bracket-shaped or have a well-defined stem. The lower surface of the fruiting body is composed of many pores.

Biology and History:

Red root and butt rot is a slow-acting disease, primarily of loder pine stands. Trees may be infected by airborne stands. Trees may be infected by airborne spores that are deposited on basal wounds. Fusiform rust galls on slash pine seem particularly susceptible to infections. Once established in a tree's root system, the fungus can spread to healthy trees via roots can persist in the soil for a number of years.