Oozing Ailment Threatens Saguaros
Pacenti J. 1993. Oozing Ailment Threatens Saguaros. Albuquerque Journal. Albuquerque, NM. 02 May 1993
A concern about population decline of saguaros has led to differing opinions among scientists. Some think it is due to bacterial necrosis, in which the cuticle turns brown, and its outside waxy layer depletes along with oozing a dark slimy fluid. Other hypotheses are that declines are due to air pollution, depletion of the ozone layer, freezing events or cutting the "nurse plants" which shelter young saguaros. Human activity also is a factor in saguaro depletion by way of cactus thieves, poachers and vandals, as well as saguaro removal for housing and commercial development. In October 1992, a 300-year-old, 52-foot-tall saguaro known as "Old Granddaddy" was found to be exhibiting bacterial necrosis.
- Type
- Newspaper Article
- Authors
- Pacenti, John
- Date of Issue
- 1993-05-02
- Publisher
- Albuquerque Journal
- Units
- SAGU
- Keywords
- bacterial necrosis, climate change, Old Grandaddy, poaching, saguaro, saguaro decline, Saguaro National Monument