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FPL 32 - Rhabdocline Needle Cast

The information accessed from this screen is based on the publication: Collis, D. G. 1973. Rhabdocline needle cast of Douglas-fir in British Columbia. Forestry Canada, Forest Insect and Disease Survey, Forest Pest Leaflet No. 32 4p.

Introduction

Rhabdocline needle cast is caused by members of the genus Rhabdocline, of which the most common is Rhabdocline pseudotsugae Syd. (Ascomycetes) (4). The disease can be a problem throughout the natural range of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugae menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and in other areas of the world where Douglas-fir has been introduced, such as Western europe, Great Britain and Eastern North America, where persistent serious needle losses producing corresponding loss of increment or tree mortality have occurred. In Western North America, trees, grown or managed for the Christmas tree industry, that have suffered heavy needle casts create serious problems. Even if no repetition of infection occurs, several years are required before infected trees become marketable. In other developing stands, heavy infection causes growth loss.

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