Mushrooms and

Molds
Mushrooms are fleshy reproductive structures, also called fruiting bodies, of a class of fungi known as basidiomycetes. Most of us know that mushrooms can be used as food but they can also be a sign of the presence of a wood decay fungus. Recognizing these fruiting bodies can be very important for tree health and safety. Often fruiting bodies are seen growing on the sides of trees that have decay and may be hollow inside. Heavy snows and high winds can cause the limbs to break or whole trees to fall over, causing injury to people and/or property. Fruiting bodies have even been found and are a serious problem on wooden homes where decay is present.
Mushroom Factsheets are available to view or download. They list useful information about a specific plant disease and provide symptom descriptions and any available control recommendations.
How to Submit a Mushroom Sample:

(Also check out the Sample Submission page for important additional information)

  • The mushroom sample should be as complete as possible, submitting a whole mushroom is needed for proper identification.
  • Including a photograph of the area from which the specimen was collected can be very helpful.
  • Send two or three specimens and include various stages of development if available.
  • Give an indication of the site characteristics, was it collected from a lawn, a house wall, or rotting tree stump.
  • Include any other information that you think may be helpful.
  • Loosely wrap the specimens in absorbent paper and mail them in a sturdy box.
Mail the sample as quickly as possible! If the sample can not be mailed immediately, keep it refrigerated or out of direct sunlight.
When submitting samples for analysis, please keep a few things in mind:
  • Always fill out the "Submission Form". Providing as much information on the form as possible will help in ensuring an accurate diagnosis of the problem. Make sure you include the form with your sample.
  • You may want to keep a copy of the form for your own records.
  • Please feel free to call the clinic with any questions prior to your sample submission.
  • For faster response, include your fax number or email address and indicate how you would prefer to receive the results.
  • Please include a check for the appropriate fee made out to Cornell University.
PDDC Homepage, Department of Plant Pathology, Fees, Sample Submission, Diagnostic Fact Sheets, Cornell University, CALS, Cornell Cooperative Extension, IPM in New York State, Plant Pathological Terms