Their wide variation and the unique properties of their colorful bark add significant aesthetic values to these set of plants as well, but Oaks are also prone to their own specific diseases.
Below we discuss the most common ones.
Introduction
This is a noxious oak disease proven to be deadly within weeks of contamination. It is a silent and effective killer that often strikes suddenly without warning. It is spread by a pathogen called Phytophthora ramorum and it kills oak trees and other species similar to oak.
The progression of the disease is rapid and often presents with browning of the leaves within 6-8 weeks of infection. Phytophtoria is a type of water mold that is commonly referred to as a fungus. It typically moves from plant to plant by moving through water, often in rain splashes. It functions by invading the oak tree and then destroying the cambium of the tree. Thus inhibiting its food and water transport system.
The earliest symptom of SOD is the characteristic 'bleeding' that appears on the bark of the tree. This occurs at the site where the pathogen has penetrated the tree and begins to feed and destroy the inner tissue of the tree. At the more advanced stage; more landmarks of bleeding appear and white or brown boring dust begins to appear on the surface of the tree as bark beetles bore into it. In later phases, the tree becomes increasingly dehydrated as the fungus continues to destroy the wood. Structural damage is more proficient here, as the leaves turn from a natural green color to a brown one. Other changes could include increase in brittleness of the branches, making them easy to snap off.
Sudden Oak Death is not easily reversible and is therefore better prevented than treated. However, infected trees should be quarantined and properly disposed of during sanitation to also help prevent further spread and limit contamination.
To maintain the health of unaffected trees, pruning of dead branches of oaks should be done in the summer, and frequent irrigation should be avoided to maintain sold integrity.
Another common oak tree disease is Anthracnose. It is caused by the pathogen Apiognomonia quercina and it is also a fungal disease. It can also be likened to other forms of leaf blight, presenting with browning of the leaves especially along the edges and veins of the leaf. The spores are spread by water and do not thrive well in hot or dry conditions and are thus much more rampant during rainy season. However, anthracnose is not a lethal disease and only serves to impede the aesthetic nature of the tree. Although repeated infection increases the likely hood of insect attacks and further defoliation, which have other adverse effects.
The distinctive symptom of this disease is the browning of the tissues of the leaves, especially around the veins and the edges of the leaf. In addition, the leaves may present with an expanded and distorted appearance with brown dead tissue in large areas. The shoots may also appear brown and shriveled. These symptoms are commonly found in the lower parts of the plant.
Treatment, although somewhat difficult, varies according to the type of equipment and expanse of trees in the area affected. A commonly used method includes watering and mulching, this helps to maintain the moisture of the soil.
Another common method is the use of foiler spray, although this is used in fairly urgent cases. An efficient method of prevention involves pruning, which promotes better air flow and less stress on the plants.
Oak wilt commonly affects Oak tree species which include the live oak tree and the Texas red oak. Oak wilt is a disturbing disease that impairs the vascular system of the tree. The pathogen responsible for this disease is a fungus called Ceratocystis fagacearum .It is an invasive disease where the spores from infected trees are spread to healthy trees and steadily grow throughout the tree's system, then blocks off nutrient supply to the tree.
The disease manifests with different symptoms depending on the specie of the tree involved. In red oaks, where the disease is more lethal, the leaves are prone to gradual wilting after turning into a pale green or yellowish-brown color. It is significantly more aggressive in red oaks, causing death in a few months. On the other hand White oaks may live for years after infection, due to their higher resistance. The veins of their leaf often take on a yellow color, before turning brown. Death usually occurs gradually, from one branch to the other.
Immediate action is required to curb the Oak Wilt. It is important to barricade all infected trees and have the Oak trees promptly removed .
Avoid pruning during active insect seasons, as they can act as carries for the spores.
All pruning wounds should be cleaned as soon as possible and the use of fungicide injections can be used on already infected oak trees.
A fat lip can be caused by an injury, from a blow or cut, or bee sting or an insect bite. It can also occur due to allergic reactions to insect bites. Your lips may change color in the process, this happens due an infection or allergy. Before you start treating a fat lip, check the extent of the injury and the damage caused. If it was caused by a cut or blow then the inside of your mouth could be hurt as well. If there is any damage to the teeth or gums then you may have to seek medical help to treat it effectively.
If the lip has not been seriously damaged then you can treat it with some easy home remedies and the lip will heal in a day or two.
• Mix some honey, butter and the pulp off an apple to make a thick paste. Apply this on to your injured lip for at least half an hour and then wash off with water. This provides a soothing effect on the lips and cures the swelling.
• Wrap ice cubes in a cloth and use it like a cold compress on your lips. This will provide relief and lessen the pain. Apply the compress twice or follow this link thrice a day.
• To water, add a few drops of grapefruit seed extract. This is an excellent disinfectant and can be used to wash your lips.
• Mix butter with honey or mix castor oil with honey and apply on the lips. This will help speed the process of healing.
• To cure minor gashes, apply diluted tea tree oil and aloe vera on the lips. Alternatively, use arnica oil.
• Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and will speed up the healing process. Apply a mixture of turmeric and a teaspoon of glycerin on the lips.
• Mix honey and a teaspoon of gooseberry bark, finely powdered. Apply this on your lips and it will heal a fat lip effectively.
• Mix lavender or peppermint essential oil, a few drops, in any vegetable oil like sunflower, pumpkin seed, coconut or olive oil and apply. This will heal and relieve pain.
• Apply white petroleum jelly or Vaseline on the lips. It will keep infection out and seal the damaged skin, in case your fat lip is a result of an injury.
• Soak a tea bag for few minutes in warm water. Take it out and place it on your lips once it has cooled down. This will reduce the swelling effectively.
• Mix turmeric powder and Fuller's earth with water and apply this paste over your lips. This will relieve the swelling and speed up healing.
• To aid the process of healing, gargle with saline water.
• You can get some relief by using vitamin E oil on the lips.
• Squeeze the juice of a grate potato and apply on your lips to heal.
• Drink a lot of water to keep your lips moisturized all the time.