What is the term used for the swelling of tree roots due to infection?

The term "crown gall" refers to the swelling or tumor-like growths that occur on the roots and lower stem of a plant, caused primarily by a bacterial infection, specifically Agrobacterium tumefaciens. This condition disrupts normal plant growth and nutrient uptake, leading to the characteristic galls that can form on the root system.

Crown galls can significantly impact the health of the tree by impairing water and nutrient absorption, ultimately affecting the overall vigor and stability of the plant. Understanding this term is vital for arborists in diagnosing plant health issues and applying appropriate management practices to mitigate such infections.

In contrast, root rot describes a different issue caused by fungal pathogens, which leads to the decay of roots rather than the formation of swellings. Gall formation can be associated with various other organisms, including insects and plant pathogens, while burl formation specifically refers to a type of abnormal growth on the trunk or branches of a tree, often caused by environmental stress or injury, and doesn't typically involve infection in the root zone.