Webinar: Tree Decay a few questions still worth asking with Dr David Lonsdale

In 1982, David Lonsdale took on the job of leading a research project on decay in amenity trees. At the time, tree work practices were changing in response to research findings in the USA, where Alex Shigo and co-workers had developed the concept of “compartmentalisation of decay in trees” (CODIT). They had also demonstrated failures of wound paints to prevent decay.
The resulting changes in tree work practice are now long established but David believes that there are still questions worth asking, especially the following:
🌳 The CODIT model was developed to replace the allegedly flawed heart-rot concept, which dated back to the late 19th century. Was the heart-rot concept really flawed?
🌳 Are decay fungi ever parasitic or pathogenic?
🌳 The “D” in CODIT is now often taken to represent dysfunction, rather than decay. Why might this be appropriate?
🌳 Wound paints: are they really useless?
🌳 Biocontrol of decay in pruning wounds: could this be worthwhile?
View all of our webinars: trees.org.uk/webinars

[@ElCID40000]

That was great, I missed it when it was actually shown, thanks for sharing it here. Dr Lonsdale remains quite brilliant and insightful, a true gentleman.

[@jamesroberts2216]

Brilliant talk from a true legend.

[@alotl1kevegas860]

Great video!

[@antonycroft7504]

Absolutely spot on Dr Lonsdale, on point as always! Your commentary matches exactly with my own thoughts on the species you mention which is rather validating to say the least. I waited a long time to get access to this webinar, your commentary on the rayner/Boddy article is also spot on, and this article is used to counter any mycologist talking of pathogenesis/parasitism. I am actually questioning the existence of this wall four, seems like a conglomeration of three walls as opposed to a fourth which appears to have no anatomical presence? with regards to the Meripilus, if we cant cultivate the strain on sterilised media i suggest we have a strain of semi obligate biotrophy. Indeed Stamets found 90% of Grifola frondosa strains wouldn't take on media! I believe the darker areas in your grifola infected oak are colonised and necrotic via Fistulina hepatica, ''off the top of my head'' ;)

[@RaymondBrouwers]

Thanks!

[@user-yx8md4me8y]

Ace talk