Injury in a tree is peeling in the outer shell and exposing the vascular system in the plants to pests and natural conditions. Injury can occur for a wide variety of reasons: branch breakage, fires, intentional pruning, and more.
A significant part of the injury damage is a result of the activity of microorganisms, which lead to the destruction of its exposed tissues and damage to the wooden skeleton.
Although wood has processes that allow it to protect itself from pathogens and pests, there are evolutionary processes that allow pathogens to deal with the protection of the tree. In addition, injuries can weaken the wood and be unaesthetic when it comes to ornamental trees.
Currently, there are mainly agrotechnical solutions for treating tree wounds including:
Injury ointments – There are many ointments that can be applied to the incision itself to seal it and prevent the pathogen from penetrating or ointments containing fungicides.
Treatment of the wound itself – adhering to the cutting date for a period when the level of pests is low, disinfecting the tools, and “clean” pruning.
However, there are studies that are working on developing biological approaches that use fungi and herbal compounds that can replace the agrotechnical approaches that may be harmful in themselves.
