Scytinostroma galactinum as a pathogen of woody plants

Scytinostroma galactinum (Fr.)Donk is the fungus commonly known asCorticium galctinum (Fr.)Burt. Although it occurs as a saprobe on woody plants and plant debris, it also has been considered by several authors as an active pathogen that causes a white root and butt or collar rot. During the summer of 1970, it was found near Baltimore and also in Montgomery County, Maryland, under circumstances that seemingly provide additional records of pathogenicity. Several other Maryland records are cited, and many Canadian studies have been reviewed.S. galactinum has a distinctive dextrinoid mycelium, which is characteristic enough to permit a tentative identification even in the absence of other features. Outstanding elements of the basidiocarp are the dextrinoid hyphae and slender gloeocystidia. In culture, dextrinoid fiber hyphae and papillate oil-bearing hyphae with clamp connections are characteristic. These and other features of the basidiocarp and culture serve in the characterization of this fungus, which is economically significant and widely distributed.