Observations of opportunistic association?

[David Humphries]

Whilst re-monolithing this Beech,

http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/tree-health-care/6708-return-jaws.html

 

I noticed these beetle gallaries, which became uncovered when I fractured off a branch back to it's union.

 

It's possible that they are just filled with frass from the hungry wood eating little inverts.

But could conceivably be the mycelium of decay fungi.

 

Didn't really have a poke around at the time, other than taking these shots.

So not sure that it's what I think.

 

But..............makes huge sense that mycelium will find the path of least resistance in it's journeys to colonise parts of a Tree.

Just like medulary rays, natural fractures etc........

 

Nothing fruiting around this particular part of the Tree, but there are G. applanatum fb's at the base.

Have to say, i've just noticed the bracket top right, not sure what it is, will go back and have a looksee.

 

Whatd'ya reckon?

 

.

[Callum]

Hi all.

If the fungi is growing up through the tree and encounters the hollow tube full of air from the larvae maybe it thinks its reached the extents of the wood and begins to form a fruiting body. Space is obviously very limited and so it only has room to fill the hole with mycelium.

The dark coloured reaction zone in picture 6 maybe supports this.

[Amelanchier]

Nce pics Dave. Well Schwarze does refer to cracks as "hyphal motorways" so I see no reason why borer damage would be any different...

 

Also the so called Ambrosia beetles actively introduce wood decay fungi in their galleries to help them digest wood.

 

I'll repost later as posting at length on my phone is difficult

[Amelanchier]

Sorry - remembered that slightly wrong. They digest wood by proxy.

 

The Ambrosia beetles introduce their fungal symbiote to the galleries and graze the mycelium/sporophores produced as the fungi breaks down the sapwood.

 

Nothing like growing your own...

[Peter]

:drool:Mmmm, ambrosia beetles :drool:

[Bundle 2]

:drool:Mmmm, ambrosia beetles :drool:

 

Ambrosia beetle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia