On tree trunks you can spot various specimens of hubsThese are parasitic or saprophytic fungi that draw nutrients and water from the tree tissues. Usually hubs are found in trees in forests or neglected, old parks. What to do, however, when you see a huba on a tree in your own garden andhow to get rid of hubs from a tree ? We explain how to save the tree on which the hub is parasitic!
How to get rid of hubs from a tree?
Fig. depositphotos.com
What is a hub?
Most fungi, which are also hubs, are saprophytes, that is, adulterous organisms.They eat decomposed organic matter or take up nutrients from living tissues.The symptoms of the presence of fungi on trees are visible rot, decay of wood and mycelium fruiting bodies.The fruiting bodies are the visible part of the hub, which can be soft or woody. In addition to the fruiting body, a mycelium that cannot be seen with the naked eye develops inside the trunk.
Hubs infect mainly weakened , sick, infected or damaged trees. Spore transmission is by wind and by animals, mainly birds.
How do I get rid of hubs from a tree?
Removing the hub from the trunk will not improve the he alth of the treeas it will not remove the mycelium grown on the trunk. A tree attacked by fungi is practically impossible to save, but you can extend its life by several years.
If the tree has a hubit means that the tree trunk has already been deeply infected . Such a tree is likely to die within a few years.However, we can extend its life, while ensuring that the infection does not spread to other trees.
Trees should be inspected in July at the latest, as in August the fungus spores begin to mature and spread to other trees.As soon as we spot a chaga on the tree, cut it off with a sharp knife along with the unfolded barkMake sure that the infected tissue does not fall to the ground.
If there are many hubs on the tree, saving it no longer makes sense
Fig. pixabay.com
If the fungus has appeared on branch , the branch will have to be cut all the way down to the base. If the mycelium is visible after cutting the branches on the trunk, the trunk should be buried so deeply until it reaches he althy tissue. Lubricate the cut site with garden ointment with the addition of fungicide.
If thehub grows in a different place in the next season , it is a sign that the tree is already deeply infected and we should remove it.
How do I prevent hubs from appearing?
Of course, it's easier to prevent a disease than to deal with it later. A he althy and strong tree is less prone to any kind of infection, which means trees need to be properly cared for, fertilized and watered.Remove dried shoots and peeling bark on a regular basis , because the fungus is the easiest way to penetrate drying or broken branches through cracks and tears in the bark. All places of cuts, cracks and branch fractures should be treated with garden ointment. Ifyou notice hubson trees in your garden, remove them quickly so that the fungus spores do not spread to other trees.
Is the hub edible?
Young fruiting bodies of some species of hubs can be used in the kitchen.Sulfuric yellowtail, hubby or oyster mushroom are perfect for frying, stewing or marinating. Oyster mushroom mycelium can be purchased at some garden stores and inoculated on dead pieces of hardwood or straw.We wrote more about this in the article on mushroom cultivation in the garden.
The fruiting bodies of some mushrooms have been used for centuries for their healing properties.Black birch hub extracts or teashave an analgesic and antiviral effect, improve metabolism and appetite. Extracts of white hub, also known as birch bark, were used externally to disinfect wounds and internally to combat parasites of the digestive system.
Of course, if we are not surewhat species of fungi grow in the form of a hub on our trees , we should not eat them, because it can be severely poisoned.
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
