UK Tree Care - http://www.oak-wood.co.uk/uktc/
Something I forgot to post ages ago, but which I think may be of interest,
is that some research into the efficacy of a certain well known brand of
fungicide, which is commonly used to control (sic) Honey Fungus (Armillaria
spp.), established that it actually STIMULATED growth of rhizomorphs.
Needless to say, the manufacturers were none too pleased about these
results and not keen for the information to become widely available. No
doubt it is locked up in a heavily guarded subterranean vault somewhere,
along with design for the everlasting light bulb, and the water powered
combustion engine. So if you're ever tempted, or asked, to prescribe this
fungicide, to treat a honey fungus infection, note that you might not be
treating the fungus in the pejorative sense, but rather indulging the
pathogen. Consequently, it may be wise to consign the product to the back
of the cupboard, along with the Arborex wound paint and the rusty family
size tin of Australian Pears.
Sorry, I can't reference this one. It might not be politically expedient
to do so.
It would appear that the phenomenon is not uncommon. Steve Woodward & the
late Ray Pearce found bark extracts from Sitka spruce which were fungitoxic
to most self-respecting fungi but stimulated A. ostoyae growth by some 300%
over controls.
Likewise, research by Francis Schwarze has established that the phenolic
compounds produced by Beech (Fagus sylvatica), as defence reaction,
stimulated hyphal growth of Ganoderma adspersum.
Whilst on matters pathological, I was performing at a RICS gig in Reading
last week, and was given the following scenario from one of the Surveyors
present. He appears to be loosing many of his beloved shrubs and trees to
a species of Honey fungus (Positive lab identification). The inoculum
source would appear to be a very large Poplar stump in the neighbours
garden. Spatial distribution and progress of infection is classically that
of a biotic causal agent. He was going to e-mail further information but
may have been particularly dispirited when I pointed out the shortcomings
of his liberal use of the aforementioned fungicide. Notwithstanding, the
problems of establishing original infection, has anyone out there
encountered a case of a pathogenic fungus being cited as an 'actionable
nuisance', and the owner of the source being found liable?
Cheers
Acer ventura
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