Needle Casts - various species: (for Ponderosa and Lodge Pole Pine - Elytroderma deformans, Lophodermium spp., Lophodermella concolor, Mycosphaerelle pini)

      
Infestation on Ponderosa Pine
 USFS - Missoula, Montana

HOSTS: Ponderosa Pine,Lodge Pole Pine. Douglas Fir and Spruce also host different species specific needle cast diseases.

DESCRIPTION: The needles are infected in the spring.  Portions (bands), or whole needles turn red-brown in color.  Damage is most often found on the lower crown of the tree.  Needles are shed 12 to 24 months after infection, depending upon the species.  Saplings are usually most severely affected.  Tree species attacked can be used as a general indicator of needle cast species.  Small black dot-like fruiting bodies may also be present on needles.

LIFE CYCLE: See above.

CONTROLS:

Cultural: When practical, diseased needles that have fallen should be raked up and destroyed.  Maintain good tree health: keep trees watered during dry months, but do NOT use sprinkler irrigation (keeps water off of trunk, branches, and needles).  Prune where justified since the majority of infections occur in the lower crown.

Chemical: Bordeaux Mix can be sprayed when new needles begin to elongate in late spring if weather is wet and warm.