Sooty bark/Phytophthora ?

[Treemoose]

took down a field maple today and was having a discussion on why it was in decline (not the reason for removal) it was mentioned it might have cryptostroma cortical (sooty bark) or maybe phytophthora.

got a couple snaps of some cross sections (not the best ones)

any thoughts?

And whats the difference between these two pathogens?

as far as i could tell phytophthora is a root rotter and can cause black bleeding cankers on the bark? and sooty bark turns the bark black?

i was finding it hard to tell the obvious differences between the two.

[openspaceman]

took down a field maple today and was having a discussion on why it was in decline

 

I cannot comment on the pathogens but this stem looks like it had had several bark wounds which it had contained till the latest one; strimmer or rabbit?

[Treemoose]

I cannot comment on the pathogens but this stem looks like it had had several bark wounds which it had contained till the latest one; strimmer or rabbit?

 

Yes it did have some bark damage at the base that looked typically strimmer inflicted

In the pics I was looking at the circular discolouration if that was something to do with the above mentioned.

[openspaceman]

In the pics I was looking at the circular discolouration if that was something to do with the above mentioned.

 

I think the stuff in the annual rings is the tree trying to contain the damage/water-loss/infection in comp 1 and it had succeeded. The darker bands are tyloses laiddown to block the vessels, the other darker wood is denser higher quality reaction wood, again to strengthen and contain any infection. The last bigger wound 2-3 years ago where the callus has started wrapping round the wound shows the failure of comp 2 as an infection has got into the whole segment but note the lack of discolouration in the most recent rings (comp4?)

[coleman]

The two pathegens you talk about mainly affect the cambium and most of the symtoms would be visible there. I think sooty bark only affects sycamores (could be wrong tho). The tree seems to of compartmentalised very well from the past damage. Couldnt comment on what the fungus is without some kind of fruiting body. Was there any exudates??

[Treemoose]

The tree had discoloured bark running up one side of the stem from the base (a dark reddish colour (no exudates) i believe it effects sycamores.

 

some similar images on google when searching for sooty bark

[coleman]

The tree had discoloured bark running up one side of the stem from the base (a dark reddish colour (no exudates) i believe it effects sycamores.

 

some similar images on google when searching for sooty bark

 

I dont think they match up with your pictures, yours doesnt have the same staining. IMO it looks like your tree has suffered some kind of mechanical/animal damage and a pathogen has entered through the exposed sapwood. The tree has then done a good job of occluding and compartmentalising it along its medullary rays. I could be wrong but from what i see i wouldnt say it was phytopthera as there are no lesions or black exudates and if it was sooty bark there would have been blackness and necrosis of the bark. I wouldnt like to hazard a guess at what it was without a fruiting body. As i said i could be wrong, someone will proberly come along in a minute and put me straight like they do

[Treemoose]

Okay thanks Colman for your opinion

[treecreeper arb]

Sooty bark disease is almost confined to sycamore, but has occasionally been found on other maples.from consulting sprouts and winter,they suggest it is only prevelant after high temperatures and prolonged dry weather. Given these factors it seems highly unlikely.I'm in agreement with coleman on his theories,and that its extremely difficult to tell from the limited information.were there any other localised environmental factors that could be problematic?

[Paul Cleaver]

was there any other nearby trees showing symptoms?