Pine Trees Turning Yellow

Identification

• Pitch canker disease in pine is caused by Fusarium circinatum. This fungus is transmitted by insect vectors, such as engraver beetles, twig beetles and cone beetles. Mild weather encourages fungal growth.

Damage

• The disease is characterized by the appearance of lesions on branches, roots and trunk. The fungus obstructs water flow in tree, causing girdled and wilting branches. Needles start to turn yellow and eventually red. Needle clusters fall. There is extensive branch dieback. Cankers are seen on main trunk with secretion of resin from infection sites.

Management

• Use resistant tree varieties. Control populations of insect vectors around trees. The pitch canker fungus survives in the wood of infected trees. Dispose of infected wood properly. Avoid moving infected wood in areas with nonpresence of disease.