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White Mycelia Research Paper

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The fungus develops in the root collar area of the tree. It travels underneath the bark by forming distinctive white mycelial fans and rhizomorphs. White mycelia fans are mats of irregular fan shaped mycelium. It grows between the wood and bark and girdles it, causing the separation between the two. The mycelia releases biopolymer degrading enzymes that allows the fungi to penetrate the bark and is used to break down the wood. The secretion of enzymes and with the separation between the wood and bark, causes the death of the tree. After decomposing, the mycelium fans leaves an impression in the resign saturated inner side of the bark.

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