Foraging question

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by The Early Bushman, Mar 1, 2016.

  1. The Early Bushman

    The Early Bushman Apprentice Gardener

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    Hi folks this may or may not be the place for my question but i had a quick browse and could not find anywhere other than here. Here goes the question lol. Foraging from trees that are in the area of a disease outbreak. The trees in question are spruce and the disease in question is Phytophthora ramorum. I have not been able to find any evidance of it being harmful to humans but would like to know more
     
  2. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    What can you forage from spruce?
     
  3. The Early Bushman

    The Early Bushman Apprentice Gardener

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    You can make a tea from spruce needles which is a very high vitamin c source.
     
  4. NigelJ

    NigelJ Total Gardener

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    @The Early Bushman
    I wouldn't think Phytophthora ramorum affects humans and the boiling water will probably kill the spores.
    However foraging in an infected area is likely to spread the disease, carrying the spores on your boots and clothes and disturbing the litter on the ground. This is an infectious fungal disease which infects a range of species. Which is why areas have been clear felled and the trees burnt.
    For more information: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pramorum#distribution
     
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    • Sandy Ground

      Sandy Ground Total Gardener

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      I have read a paper written by a finnish researcher that states "no effects reported in humans." Just because there are no reported effects does not necessarily mean there are none. They might take years to develop.

      Incidentally, there is no need to make tea from the spruce. There is a delicacy here called "snapphaneskott" made from the young spruce needles.
       
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      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        Well it's like eating anything natural, if it's infected then leave it alone - you wouldn't eat a lettuce ravaged by slugs.
         
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        • The Early Bushman

          The Early Bushman Apprentice Gardener

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          Thank for the replies, I would not be keen on foraging in an area that has been affected by a disease outbreak, as Nigel pointed out the precautions that taken into consideration to prevent the further spread of the disease. I was just curious and the thought of it I could not find much information regarding the human consumption of trees that may be affected. I had a quick read through the link Nigel posted and it mentions the disease can be spread via mist for miles wow
           
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