Tree Diseases

Rhizosphaera Needle Cast

Rhizosphaera needle cast is a foliage disease of spruce trees. It causes significant damage to trees growing outside of their native range. Older, inner needles of the branches show symptoms first. As the disease progresses, newer needles will exhibit symptoms. Infected needles first appear mottled or speckled with dull yellowish blotches. Later, the needles turn brown to purplish brown. The needles are dropped (cast) anywhere from 3 to 15 months after infection depending on the variety of spruce infected. Branches begin dying if they are defoliated in 3-4 consecutive years. Larger trees are rarely killed by Rhizosphaera needle cast, however they may become so disfigured that they lose all of their ornamental value.

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