fungus | The Suburban Garden Dirt

The fantastic American Chestnut is back? Well, maybe not just yet…BUT, after more than a half a century of absence, they WILL RETURN to the American landscape, maybe sooner than you think!

Cryphonectria parasitica, better known as Chestnut Blight, was accidentally introduced to our native population of the American Chestnut tree (Castanea dentata) in 1904. The Japanese Chestnut carrying the deadly pathogen was available via mail-order and became quickly distributed across the area. This fungus works swiftly, using the trees own defenses to essentially girdle itself from the inside. By the time the tree is dead, the fungus has spread to all surrounding trees. Amazingly the…

roots remain alive to continue sending up suckers in a desperate attempt to survive. Unfortunately, by the time the suckers are 10-12 feet high, the fungus has found its way back. By 1950, in an area stretching from Maine to Alabama, 3.5 billion trees were annihilated. This biological disaster has kept scientists on their toes during the 20th century as they realize how easily a similar situation could occur. The Oak, which has been found to be susceptible to a similar pathogen, could very easily realize the same fate as the Chestnut.

As one might imagine, attempts at possible reintroduction of this tree seemed futile. The American Chestnut had been an invaluable resource in early America, providing both hardwood and nut meat. It has been fairly unanimous that this tree is definitely worth committing some time and energy to. The USDA designated a few decades of research attempting to cross it with the immune Chinese Chestnut but ceased to fund the program in 1960. Luckily, an independent researcher by the name of Dr. Arthur Graves had already been conducting his own backcross breeding studies. The idea was simple, but required much patience. The process involves cross breeding the Chinese Chestnut with our American Chestnut and continue to backcross until a tree which has the physical qualities of the American Chestnut, but also carries the blight resistant qualities of the Chinese specimen. Each cross required 6-7 years of growth before it would flower, fruit and could finally be crossed. Working closely with geneticist, Donald Jones, the first crosses were made in 1930 and we can anticipate full reintroductions of the final prodigy in the very near future…possibly next year.

The hard work and dedication of a few will hopefully help us bring back this prized tree. They will almost certainly re-assume their position in the Eastern American landscape as the well-deserved dominant tree of the forest. While most of us will not live to realize the full maturity of the reforested areas, our children and grand children will benefit greatly. Maybe, once again, the American Chestnut can be roasted over the open fire, as the song portrays. Mmm…mmm…good!

The Garden that is Finished is Dead

Summer is finally here! There are so many things to do outside in this wonderful weather. Hopefully you will enjoy yourself and toss a bit of gardening into your schedule!!! As you are in a meditative state, you may happen across one of the following fascinating creatures:

First up is the Wheel Bug, which is not meant to be touched. This little critter, while not aggressive, can be defensive if disturbed. He is a beneficial insect, dining on critters who will do harm to your prize plants.

Now this next little fellow should be left completely alone, as well. Commonly referred to as the Velvet Ant, it is actually a wingless wasp. Many refer to this one as the “Cow Killer” as the bite/sting is definitely something you won’t soon forget.

This next item is completely harmless. You may, from time to time, find fungus or mushroom plants growing in items made of old wood. It is entirely unnecessary to attempt to remove them and they may not even come back every year. If they add interest, then you are lucky for the season!

You may or may not have seen this little contraption before. This is a mantid egg case which may contain lots of baby Praying Mantis who are hungry and ready to munch on your plant destroying insects.

Now…is this a hummingbird? It flies like one, hovers like one and feeds like one….must be one. Actually this is the Snowberry Clearwing Hummingbird Moth. They are fascinating to watch and it makes me wonder if they are less noticeable to predators when they perform every action like a bird.

Finally…I know you are thinking “What IS THAT!?” Well, believe it or not, almost exactly what it looks like (at least in name). This is called Dog Vomit Fungus….actually a slime mold you may find growing on the surface of your mulch. Rather harmless, actually, just highly unsightly. Starting out bright yellow, it will change colors dulling to a brown blending in with the surroundings. At this point it is full of spores ready to fly through the air and settle into another neighboring area.