Abstract

LONSDALE, D. Available treatments for tree wounds: an assessment of their value. Arboric. J. 8: 99-107.

It is interesting to compare progress in tree wound treatment with the evolution of medicine and of agricultural plant protection. In these other disciplines it has long been routine for all products and practices to be evaluated by stringent tests. In contrast, the modernization of tree wound treatments has involved little more than the introduction of synthetic sealing materials and various fungicides in proprietary dressings. The main intended effect of the treatments: the prevention of decay, has not been investigated to any satisfactory extent in the testing of materials and practices. In view of the difficulties in the evaluation of wound treatments, and bearing in mind the increasing realization that trees can defend themselves against decay fungi, it is no easy matter to discuss the efficacy of dressing materials. The reality is, however, that these products are available and that the user wishes to know if they are worth the cost of buying and applying them. A further complication in Britain is the existence of British Standard 3998 which stipulates the use of wound dressings, and perhaps this alone justifies some discussion. No evidence exists by which currently available wound dressings can be recommended for long-term protection against decay. Some treatments can delay colonization by decay fungi, perhaps to a useful degree in the case of the biocontrol agent Trichoderma viride. Some treatments can prevent infection of wounds by aggressive, “fresh wound parasites”. Wound closure is enhanced by many types of treatment, particularly where thiophanate methyl is an ingredient, and is perhaps a worthwhile consideration in the case of moderatesized wounds.

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