"4. Of which Fistulina hepatica is an example, as it first "feeds" on tannin
or vinegar acids produced by the sapwood of the tree (Quercus robur/petrea,
Castanea sativa) in defense, without causing a problem to the stability of
the tree, because after the mycelium finally enters the cambium and causes a
necrosis of living tissues and bark from which exposed (dead) sapwood it
fruits, the tree compensates for the loss of stability in a tree species
specific way (see :
http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/members/fungus-albums-fistulina-hepatica.html ),
which is a good example of co-evolution between fungus and tree species."
The paragraph quoted above appears to indicate that you consider that
Fistulina hepatica can kill sapwood and cambium. I'm afraid that this is
quite different from my understanding that F. Hepatica is purely a saprotroph
that is specialised to colonise and gain its nutrition from heartwood.
However, I'll accept that it may also be able to obtain nutrition from dead
sapwood if not 'out-competed' by wood decay fungi that are more able to
utilise this substrate. I'm sure that we are all aware that sapwood and
cambium may die for a multitude of reasons: biotic, abiotic, but most often a
combination of a number. My understanding was that, once dead, F. hepatica
maybe able to utilise the newly available substrate as a secondary
saprotroph. If it's not too much trouble could you please recount the steps
you've taken to eliminate these potentially primary reasons for sapwood and
cambium death and enabled you to come to your conclusions.
Luke,
Instead of answering, a question in reply : how do you account for the morbid
growth and necrosis of living tissues and bark appearing once the mycelium
has entered the cambium, a phenomenon I have documented on living "white"
oaks (Quercus robur/petrea) and sweet chestnuts hundreds of times, if F.
hepatica is not parasitic ?
And why is the (sap wood of the) "red" oak Quercus rubra never affected by
Fistulina hepatica ?
Regards,
Gerrit
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