DiseaseHigh Severity

Birch Melanconium Dieback

Melanconium betulinum

A serious fungal disease affecting all birch species, causing progressive browning of foliage and dieback of twigs and branches. The disease is often associated with environmental stress factors and can lead to significant tree decline.

Peak Season: Infection occurs continuously during the growing season. Symptoms become apparent throughout the growing period, with progression continuing until dormancy.
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Birch melanconium dieback showing characteristic branch death and canker symptoms

Identification & Symptoms

What to Look For

Progressive browning of foliage
Dieback of twigs and branches
Flattened, sunken, swollen cankers
Discolored cankers on branches and stems
Red-brown diseased bark on branches
Cupped, black fruiting bodies on bark
Branch and twig mortality
Crown thinning and decline

Potential Damage

Progressive branch and twig dieback
Reduced crown density
Weakened tree structure
Potential tree mortality in severe cases
Reduced aesthetic value
Increased susceptibility to other stresses

Lifecycle

The fungus produces acervuli embedded in the outer bark with hyphae extending into the cambium. Conidia (spores) are released continuously during the growing season to invade bark through natural openings like lenticels, where new acervuli develop. Infection is continuous throughout the growing season.

Professional Treatment Approach

1

Remove and destroy infected branches

2

Improve tree growing conditions

3

Reduce environmental stresses

4

Ensure proper drainage

5

Avoid excessive heat exposure

6

Maintain adequate soil moisture

7

Apply protective fungicides preventively

Recommended Mauget Products

Fungisol (Propiconazole)

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against birch melanconium dieback.

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Tebuject-16 (Tebuconazole)

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against birch melanconium dieback.

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Arborfos (Potassium phosphite)

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against birch melanconium dieback.

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Vigor-53 (Tree health enhancement)

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against birch melanconium dieback.

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