Abstract

Wood decay is caused primarily by enzymatic activities of microorganisms which majorly affect the roots, sapwood, or heartwood of a tree causing dead trees, smaller leaves, and slower growth. Tree decays are among the most challenging forest health issues in forest management. Urban and suburban trees are more likely to have wounds and decay than trees in native stands because of anthropogenic activities that cause most wounds. This study was carried out to observe the decay characteristics of trees in the University of Ibadan. The assessments were done using visual assessment and laboratory identification of fungi species. One hundred and six (106) decayed trees were observed and identified along selected roads in the University of Ibadan community and were expressed in the ranges of 0-9 per location. The result shows that D. regia had the highest number (18) and (16) G. sepium among the tree assessed and observed with decay, common indicator or defects of decay was observed among stem rot and dead branches with visible decay fungi species were Rhizopus nigricans, Trichoderma spp, and Penicillium spp, while Rhizopus nigricans was predominant. In conclusion, most decay fungi observed invaded injured trees; therefore, urban young trees should be protected from injuries.

Key Words: Decaying, Fungi, Forest health, Urban, Suburban tree