The spelling of the phrase "wooden tongue" can be a bit confusing. The first word, "wooden," is pronounced as /ˈwʊdən/ with the stress on the first syllable. The second word, "tongue," is pronounced as /tʌŋ/ with the stress on the first syllable. The phrase is used to describe someone who is lying or speaking insincerely. The origin of the phrase is unclear, but it may come from the idea that a wooden tongue would be stiff and unable to move smoothly, similar to someone who is lying.
Wooden tongue refers to a fungal disease predominantly affecting plants of the Grass family, such as wheat, rye, barley, and oats. It is caused by the pathogen Nectria galligena, a fungus that attacks and damages the roots and lower stem tissues of agricultural crops, leading to severe economic losses. The infection typically occurs through wounded or damaged tissues, facilitating the entry of the fungus into the plant.
Symptoms of wooden tongue disease include wilting and yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and a characteristic browning or blackening of the root tissues. The roots ultimately become coarse and decayed, appearing as if they have turned into wood, thus giving the disease its descriptive name. Furthermore, infected plants may exhibit necrotic lesions on aerial parts, ultimately leading to the death of the entire plant in severe cases.
Controlling wooden tongue primarily involves preventative measures, such as crop rotation, which restricts the buildup of the pathogen in the soil. Ensuring proper soil drainage and avoiding overwatering can also reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, planting disease-resistant crop varieties can help minimize the impact of wooden tongue. In cases where infection occurs, removal of infected plants and destruction of plant debris can limit the spread of the disease. Fungicide treatments may be applied, although their effectiveness may vary depending on the specific circumstances.
Actinomycosis of the tongue in cattle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.