Southeast Arborists

[TheSurgeon]

Hello All,

I had given an estimate on a long leaf pine earlier today that had a good size citrus tree growning around the base. On the pine there was an oozing light colored and very smelly white puss? There were also 1/2" size larvae bunched up in groups of about five, and many small black flies. This was only evident where the pine and citrus tree met. The pine was pretty much dead, but I am wondering if it was due to this slimey worm flye poo. Any ideas???

 

[tinman44]

hmm sound like the flylivinginoozingpoo syndrome you should call a professional

 

[bushman]

Maybe a southern pine bettle got hungry.

 

[TheSurgeon]

411

It was a combination of BTB plus fruit flies, the smell was something like rottening fruit and a##.

 

[tinman44]

yuck apoundpound is horrible smell

 

[tshanefreeman]

Any idea what the reletive age of the citrus tree was?

If the citrus tree in question was mature, it could very well have been infected with some sort of fungus or bacterial pathogen. The 'smelly' exudate that you are describing is characteristic of many fungal and bacterial infestations found abroad. For example, trees infested with 'Fireblight' will often ooze bacterial exudate from the trunks. Even though we may find its appearance and odour repulsive, many insects and birds actually find it nutritious and attractive. These two trees were obviously in direct competition and as a result this would not have aided in maintaining a healthy state/vigor. Various pathogens would have taken advantage of this and moved in. Possibly even leading to the trees demise!