Pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis) are native to central and southern United States and is the state tree of Texas. They grow best in deep, well-drained loamy soil, with lots of organic matter. Pecan trees produce a number of nuts, which are a popular part of the diet in many parts of the south and a key crop for export in the US.
Slime flux (also known as bacterial wetwood-bacterial wetwood disease), is a bacterial infection caused by Cytophaga sp. or various gram-negative bacteria. Slime flux bacteria is present around the roots of trees and in areas of the trunk where water is trapped, such as in splits or wounds. The bacteria can cause wetwood (or slime flux) disease, which can weaken trees and can produce an unpleasant odor. Infected trees are also prone to secondary infections from fungi and other microorganisms.
Slime flux can be prevented by providing good drainage, avoiding wounding the tree, and by using a soil treatment with a fungicide. Pruning of infected branches may help reduce the spread of the infection.
