Tree slime flux9/1/2023 ![]() There are, however, cases where wetwood-induced bacterial growth appears to harm trees. In addition, fir ( Abies), hemlock ( Tsuga), sycamore ( Platanus), maple ( Acer), mulberry ( Morus), willow ( Salix) and oak ( Quercus) frequently harbor wetwood. ![]() Wetwood occurs in nearly all elm ( Ulmus) and poplar ( Populus) species. Wood harboring these bacteria has a strong, pungent odor and can range in color from pinkish, yellow, olive-green, to dark brown. Wetwood often supports large populations of anaerobic bacteria from multiple genera, none of which are known to possess any host specificity. Other trees and shrubs: slime flux and a similar phenomenon called bacterial wetwood are also found quite frequently on the stems of a wide range of trees and shrubs. The biology is similar to that of clematis slime flux, although it is thought that in trees the bacteria most usually colonise the plant through the roots. Weeping and fluxing from patches on the trunk is often the only symptom, but branch dieback may occur.Wetwood is a condition in which the heartwood becomes water-soaked due to bacterial colonization. The bacteria penetrate deep into the stem tissues, and when the sugary sap rises in spring this is fermented by the bacteria to produce the foul-smelling slime. Gasses are also produced which force the slime out under pressure and may result in further stem splitting. A range of bacterial species, as well as other organisms such as yeasts and fungi, are often found within the slime, all taking advantage of the sugars within the sap. Infection may also sometimes occur through the root system.Any type of mechanical damage (including strong winds twisting the stems).Feeding damage from invertebrates such as slugs and snails.There are no chemicals available for the treatment of slime flux.Ĭlematis: clematis slime flux develops when a damaged part of the stem becomes colonised by bacteria that normally reside harmlessly in the soil or on the stem surface. Any factor that injures the stem can lead to the problem developing, for example Affected trees may be otherwise healthy for many years, but in any case it is not possible to prevent any branch dieback that may result No control measures are recommended in the case of slime fluxing and wetwood on trees. Here the production of sap is regarded as being similar to the operation of a safety valve, enabling the release of gasses produced by the bacteria.In addition to removing the plant (with its root system) it would also be prudent to replace some of the soil in which it was growing with fresh topsoil If a plant dies from slime flux it should be safe to remove it and replant with another clematis.It is sometimes possible to save an affected clematis by pruning out the stem below the point of slime production. With any luck, the plant will then re-shoot.It can be difficult to prevent the stem damage that leads to the development of clematis slime flux. However, protecting plants from strong winds and frosts, and taking care when digging and working around them, may help.Malvern Autumn Show - 22–24 September 2023.RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show - 5–10 September 2023.RHS Garden Rosemoor Flower Show - 18–20 August 2023.RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show - 2–6 August 2023.RHS Flower Show Tatton Park - 19–23 July 2023. ![]()
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