Strange looking ooze

[Matthew Arnold]

Hi everyone

 

Whilst mowing a section of old railway line in dorset I noticed a Broad leaved lime with a strange looking ooze coming from the base. I know it isnt Phytophthora as the ooze would be black rather than white. It has a couple of scars at the base but no sign of fungal infection as the crown is perfectly healthy and there have been no signs of fruiting bodies apart from the very occasional bit of Sulphur Tuft growing from a stump next to it. If anyone has any idea what would be causing this it would be of great help as all of my colleagues including me are completely stumped. I have attached a photo showin the ooze.

[Gallagher666]

Hello, RangerMatt. It all depends on the consistency of the exudate. Its sticky or watery, paste like or yeasty this make all the difference. Knowing if the was any necrotic bark around the area would help. Watery exudate is usually associated with bacterial wet wood but this is more often orange to brown to black.

[Matthew Arnold]

Hi Gallagher666. the exudate was watery but also slightly pasty. there is some necrotic bark to the left of the lower exudation. at first i thought it maybe be fire damage but then realised we havent had a bonfire on that section for a few years.

[Gallagher666]

I think Harmony Arb, was right. It probably is Slime flux, but keep an eye on it t, it may be a symptom of a more serious problem. Bacteria may colonise which could lead cankering. Obviously, slime flux isn't much of a problem but you never know what could happen.

[Matthew Arnold]

Weve got 4 trees to fell around it with all the same problem (Honey Fungus). Although the willow does have a nasty case of willow bracket. I will be keeping a close eye on it as it has got worse of the past week. it is now trickling rather that dripping. Does that change matters with slime flux?