Mulberry tree - Ask Extension
My mulberry tree only produced on one side this year. I noticed that the base and some branches look unhealthy.
I searched and found Amarillo root r...
Knowledgebase
Mulberry tree #800392
Asked July 10, 2022, 6:02 PM EDT
My mulberry tree only produced on one side this year. I noticed that the base and some branches look unhealthy.
I searched and found Amarillo root rot? Is that what this is? Can I treat this? Are berries on the producing side safe?
Stearns County Minnesota
Expert Response
The cambium layer is just under the bark. The cambium layer contains vessels know as the phloem that transport sugars, generated through photosynthesis in the leaves, to the roots. Once these vessels are damaged and transport of sugars is no longer possible. The large amount of missing bark on the middle trunk has disrupted the fluid movement within the second trunk. The branches in the middle canopy may soon die due to the the loss of phloem, xylem, and protective bark.
Cankers on mulberry tree twigs, branches, and die back of twigs may be caused by at least six fungi: Cytospora sp., Dothiorella sp., Gibberella baccata, F. moricola, Nectria sp., and Stemphylium sp. These can be distinguished only by microscopic or laboratory tests. Prune and burn dead branches. Keep trees in good vigor by watering and fertilizing.
Thick, black, shoestring-like, fungal strands grow in a net on armillaria infected trees and in the soil around the base of the tree. Clusters of honey-colored mushrooms grow at the base of the tree in fall. I do not see the fungal strands on the middle trunk. It may be too early in the season for the mushrooms.
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/armillaria-root-rot
Have this tree assessed by a certified arborist to determine the structural stability. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional In conclusion, the second trunk has serious problems. As it grows it is pressing against the bark of the other two trunks. A certified arborist can examine this trunk and determine the risks for falling in a storm.
Cankers on mulberry tree twigs, branches, and die back of twigs may be caused by at least six fungi: Cytospora sp., Dothiorella sp., Gibberella baccata, F. moricola, Nectria sp., and Stemphylium sp. These can be distinguished only by microscopic or laboratory tests. Prune and burn dead branches. Keep trees in good vigor by watering and fertilizing.
Thick, black, shoestring-like, fungal strands grow in a net on armillaria infected trees and in the soil around the base of the tree. Clusters of honey-colored mushrooms grow at the base of the tree in fall. I do not see the fungal strands on the middle trunk. It may be too early in the season for the mushrooms.
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/armillaria-root-rot
Have this tree assessed by a certified arborist to determine the structural stability. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional In conclusion, the second trunk has serious problems. As it grows it is pressing against the bark of the other two trunks. A certified arborist can examine this trunk and determine the risks for falling in a storm.
Thank you so much for a quick and detailed response! So informative!
On the healthy side of the tree, are the berries ok to eat? Or unsafe when this happens to a tree?
Thanks again!
Sarah Rauchbauer
I did not find any research stating whether the berries were safe to eat once a tree is infected. The berries were not considered in any of the papers that I read.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer this!
I am sorry that your tree has this problem.