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Bacterial Wetwood or Slime Flux - Enterobacter,
Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas bacteria and various yeasts  USFS - Missoula, Montana  HOSTS:
Most commonly: aspen, poplar, willow, and elm; also affects fruit trees, ash, birch, fir, maple, mountain ash, and pines. DESCRIPTION:
Wetwood
is most easily recognized by the presence of a liquid that oozes from
wounds, crotches, branch stubs, frost cracks, or other weak points of
the wood or bark. As the liquid flows down the bark, vertical dark or
light streaks remain. Oozing sap is initially colorless. After
colonization by various bacteria and yeast, the liquid becomes slimy
and is often called slime flux. Symptoms of nutrient deficiency may
appear due to poor water movement within the affected tree. LIFE
CYCLE: Very
little is known about the bacteria and other microorganisms that cause
wetwood. Bacteria are assumed to enter healthy trees through the root
system, rather than being carried by insects. Drought stress appears to
favor the development of the disease. CONTROLS:
No control
necessary. Keep trees well-watered. |
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