Small Witch's Broom (densely branched small twigs) on a birch induced by a parasitic fungus Taphrina betulina(?) near Morskaya, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, March 16, 2017
Primorskoye sh., g. Sankt-Peterburg, RussiaSynonyms: Ascomyces turgidus, Exoascus betulinus, Exoascus turgidus, Taphrina turgida.
Common name: birch besom.
Russian name: vedmina metla.
Taphrina betulina is a fungus that causes leaf blister disease in birch trees. In St. Petersburg, Leningrad Oblast, and north-western Russia, it has been found to infect paper birch (Betula papyrifera) and downy birch (Betula pubescens), causing blisters and deformations on leaves. The fungus is widely distributed in the region, with frequent occurrences in urban parks and forests. It thrives in cool and moist environments, typically appearing in early spring and disappearing by summer. Infected leaves often exhibit yellowish or brownish discoloration and may drop prematurely.
Small Witch's Broom (densely branched small twigs) on a birch induced by a parasitic fungus Taphrina betulina(?) near Morskaya, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, March 16, 2017Primorskoye sh., g. Sankt-Peterburg, RussiaThe observation of the fungus Taphrina betulina in Leningrad Oblast and north-western Russia revealed distinctive symptoms on birch trees. Small Witch's Broom, characterized by densely branched small twigs, was observed on a birch near Morskaya, west of Saint Petersburg, on March 16, 2017. This abnormal growth is induced by the parasitic fungus Taphrina betulina. The fungus causes the tree to produce an excessive number of branches, resulting in a broom-like shape. The observation suggests that Taphrina betulina is present in the region and can infect birch trees, leading to this unique and noticeable symptom. Further study would be necessary to confirm the identity of the fungus and understand its distribution and impact on birch trees in the area. The observation provides valuable information on the occurrence of this fungus in north-western Russia.
Russian web-forums Planeta Gribov, V Kontakte, and Griby Sredney Polosy for learning names of local mushrooms.
This web page was generated by a special script.