- Slime flux
Slime flux is a
bacterial disease of certain trees, primarilyelm ,cottonwood ,poplar ,boxelder , ash,aspen , fruitless mulberry, andoak . A wound to thebark , caused by pruning, insects, poor branch angles or natural cracks and splits, causes sap to ooze from the wound. Bacteria may infect this sap causing it to darken and stain the bark, eventually taking on a foamy appearance and unpleasant odor. This slimy ooze becomes toxic to the bark and eats into the tree. Additionally, the fermented sap attracts insects like flies, ants, worms, and maggots, which further weaken the tree.Treatment
There is no cure, but the bark of a tree is like skin. The wound should be disinfected with rubbing alcohol or a household
bleach solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. The excess sap should be wiped from the tree to discourage insect's parasitic feeding. With prompt and continuous treatment, the tree should survive.References
* [http://www.forestpests.org/southern/slimeflux.html slime flux on www.forestpests.org]
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