Tree Diseases

Dothistroma Needle Blight

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Dothistroma needle blight is a fungus that causes needle spots, discoloration and substantial needle loss during heavy infection. The Austrian pine is particularly susceptible, though the disease also attacks mugo, ponderosa, and other species of pine. The first symptom is scattered spots, varying in color from yellow to red. They often develop into red bands that encircle the affected needles. The tip of the needle beyond the band turns brown and dies, while the base may remain green for a period. The dead portion is not always separated from the healthy portion by a band, but there is an abrupt transition between healthy appearing green tissue and dead tissue. Infected needles commonly fall off during late spring or early summer, although they may drop at any time.

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