Dieback or Pink disease (Corticium salmonicolor)

Symptoms

• The disease is seen mostly during south-west monsoon period.
• Whitish or pinkish growth of the fungus can be seen (like cobweb) on the affected branches.
• The fungus penetrates into the deeper tissues; and causes oozing of brown liquid and subsequently the death of the shoots from the tip downwards and hence the name dieback.
• After heavy rains a film of silky thread of the fungus is seen on the branches.
• In advanced stages, the bark splits and peels off. Pinkish encrustation of spores arranged in linear manner is often seen.
• Some times only one branch is affected, but often many branches turn yellow and leaf shedding result a barren appearance to a portion of the tree

Management

• Prune off the affected branches well below the site of infection and destroy them.
• Protect the cut surfaces by applying Bordeaux paste.
• If disease is severe, it is advisable to spray Bordeaux mixture (1 %). Spraying is to be done twice, once in June-July and the second during September-October.
• Collect and destroy all dried up and affected branches to reduce the source of inoculum.

Chemical Control

Extremely Toxic

Highly Toxic

Moderately Toxic

Slightly Toxic