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FPL 52 - Lophodermium Needle Cast

The information accessed from this screen is based on the publication: Ziller, W. G. and R. S. Hunt. 1977. Lophodermium Needle Cast of Pines in Nurseries and Plantations. Forestry Canada, Forest Insect and Disease Survey, Forest Pest Leaflet No. 52 4p.

Introduction

The name "needle cast" refers to a condition in coniferous trees where a sudden, severe loss of needles occurs. Although it can be caused by insects, climatic factors such as frost or drought, excessive shading, poor soil, or any combination thereof, needle loss is due mainly to the disease caused by fungi of the family Hypodermataceae (Phacidiales).

Lophodermium pinastri (Schrad. ex Hook.) Chev. of the Hypodermataceae, is the commonest fungus attacking the needles of pine; it occurs throughout the world, but only on species of pine. It causes one of the most serious diseases of native pines in Europe, especially in nurseries and plantations (2), but in the forests of British Columbia, the damage is slight and economically insignificant.

In response to recent enquiries about the increasingly severe defoliation noted in Christmas tree plantations of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in the lower Fraser Valley, mainly attributed to Lophodermium pinastri, a short review on this needle parasite and its control has been prepared.

For more information, see the Lophodermium Needle Cast Forest Pest Leaflet in the Canadian Forest Service bookstore.