Presenter: Chelsi Abbott
Format: E-Learning
CEUs:
ISA BCMA Science: 1
Climber Specialist: 1
ISA Certified Arborist: 1
Utility Specialist: 1
Municipal Specialist: 1
Aerial Lift Specialist: 1
Objectives:
- Understand the Ecological Role of Wood Decay Fungi – Explain the function of wood decay fungi in nutrient cycling and their role in ecosystem health.
- Assess the Impact of Fungi on Tree Health – Determine whether a fungal presence on a living tree indicates structural risk or a secondary colonization of pre-existing wounds.Identify Common
- Evaluate Tree Structural Integrity in Relation to Fungal Activity – Analyze how different fungi affect tree stability and potential management strategies for tree preservation.
Course Description:
Wood decay fungi fill a very important role in the ecosystem; ever recyclers break down woody tissue to release nutrients to other organisms. But what if you find a mushroom growing on a living tree? How will you know if it is causing direct harm or just taking advantage of a wound? This talk will cover the biology of wood decay organisms and ID of saprophytic fungi. We will focus on how saprophytic fungi are different from parasitic fungi and what they mean from a tree health and structural integrity perspective.
