Monkey Puzzle tree disease - Ask Extension
My Monkey Puzzle tree is showing disease on its spine where the branches meet. This has shown up on three places and is white gobby glue like. I have ...
Knowledgebase
Monkey Puzzle tree disease #462806
Asked June 16, 2018, 9:39 AM EDT
My Monkey Puzzle tree is showing disease on its spine where the branches meet. This has shown up on three places and is white gobby glue like. I have a good photo of this that I could send to you if I knew your email.
I can't get near to the 3 affected areas easily.
What to do??
I can't get near to the 3 affected areas easily.
What to do??
Lincoln County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi there, yes a clear photo would be great - you can actually attach it directly to your response through the AAE system. Just scroll down and click "Choose file" to add an image (or more if you have multiple images).
When did you notice the symptoms? Is it just one tree or are other affected? Please include any other information that might be helpful when I receive the picture and then I can work towards a diagnosis.
Thank you!
When did you notice the symptoms? Is it just one tree or are other affected? Please include any other information that might be helpful when I receive the picture and then I can work towards a diagnosis.
Thank you!
Hi Pami,
We first noticed this about 2 weeks ago. We did get a live sample; looks like sap, smells like Elmer's glue. Someone said that it probably wasn't a fungus.. please help!
Dianne
Hi Pami, We first noticed this about 2 week's ago. We did get a live sample, looks like sap, smells like Elmer's glue. Please help!
Dianne Allen
Hi Dianne,
I think that this could likely be some kind of "slime flux". (Also goes by names, White flux, foamy canker or alcoholic flux). This occurs when bacteria penetrate bark wounds or cracks and the underlying cambial tissue. The multiplying organisms ferment the sap, releasing alcohol and gasses. Pressure from the gasses builds inside the tree, eventually forcing white frothy liquid through the cracked bark. The froth has a slightly yeasty odor.
The fluid temporarily bleeding from a tree during warm weather is the external symptom of more serious internal damage. Left unchecked, white-flux bacteria rot the cambial layer, limiting the tree's wound-healing ability.
I think that this could likely be some kind of "slime flux". (Also goes by names, White flux, foamy canker or alcoholic flux). This occurs when bacteria penetrate bark wounds or cracks and the underlying cambial tissue. The multiplying organisms ferment the sap, releasing alcohol and gasses. Pressure from the gasses builds inside the tree, eventually forcing white frothy liquid through the cracked bark. The froth has a slightly yeasty odor.
The fluid temporarily bleeding from a tree during warm weather is the external symptom of more serious internal damage. Left unchecked, white-flux bacteria rot the cambial layer, limiting the tree's wound-healing ability.
To control a minor infection, cut out the wounded, frothing area and let it heal. That is about all you can do - hopefully your tree seems otherwise healthy.
I hope that helps!
"doctoring" the wounded area, do I apply anything to help it heal?
Hoping for my tree's fast recovery!
No need to apply anything to help it heal. Plants have natural resistance mechanisms to fight insect attack or
disease so covering wounds with any kind of sealant inhibits oxidative processes, which in turn will reduce
callus formation. Trees are able to compartmentalize diseases and damaged tissue sealing them from the healthy tissues. Since you are taking care of this in the warmer months when fungi might still be active a light coating of a fungicide may be warranted.
