Fungis from rotting tree roots
 

I have a friend who had a large tree stump ground after the removal of a
large Euc, tree.
Some time later a series of small mushroom like growths appeared and close
by plants and shrubs started to die.
When the earth was removed from the roots left from the tree, under the
outer layer a white slime was found.
Some knowledgeable person was able to state that this was a symptom of a
disease which had to be treated with chemicals immediately or the disease
would spread through the area.
Apparently the disease lies dormant in the soil in coastal areas. It will
attack roots from trees and shrubs whose roots have been leave in the soil.
Is anyone aware of this disease and is there a name for it.

Don

Well, I found the name of the fungi myself but would like to share the
information given:
"Armillaria root rot - (honey fungus, bootlace fungus)
A weak parasite on native trees, this fungus often severely damages newly
planted orchards or garden trees and shrubs. It occurs mainly in areas
recently cleared of bush where the sol is light and sandy. Infection from
one root to another is spread through the soil by means of black strands
called rhizo-morphs. The tree wilts and drops leaves indicating possible.
root problems, and on investigation the root wood is powdery or jelly-like
with a mushroomy smell. On affected trees cut off all affected wood and
bark, smooth the area as much as possible and paint with a bituminous
grafting compound. Leave the root system exposed around the base of the
tree for and indefinite period. Remove badly attacked trees and fumigate
the soil before replanting. Stumps and large roots left in the soil when
clearing land for replanting are a source of infection."

Don