How to Manage Pests

Foamy canker or alcoholic flux

Some species of bacteria or other microorganisms cause a white frothy material to exude from cracks or holes in bark, commonly on elm, oak, sweet gum, or Victorian box. This foamy material appears for only a short time during warm weather and has an alcoholic or fermented odor. In severely infected trees, the cambium beneath the bark may become rotten, white, mushy, and eventually turn brown and die. The cause of this malady is unknown. It is sometimes, but not always, associated with Zymomonas bacteria.

Identification

Solutions

Preventing injuries to bark may help to prevent this disease. Prune out infected tissue when it is limited to a small area of the bark to allow wounds to close; avoid making large wounds. Severely affected trees need to be removed.

Foamy canker on almond