Ascocalyx abietina

Scleroderris canker

Description

It has recently been recorded on mountain pine at a higher altitude. Trees of all growth stages are susceptible. The fungus lives as a saprophyte on dead material. Infection of living tissues on shoots can occur during periods of wet weather in summer, when the trees are weakened e.g. by frost, over-fertilizing, lack of sunlight, low temperatures, long periods of snow cover, overly dense stands, etc. The symptoms of infection include browning of needles from their base and they easily fall off. Necrotic spots appear on bark and buds, and the fungal fruiting bodies occur on bark.

Symptom

The symptoms of infection include browning of needles from their base and they easily fall off. Necrotic spots appear on bark and buds, and the fungal fruiting bodies occur on bark.

Tree Species: Pine, Fir, Spruce

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle, Branch

Pest significance: Very harmful

Pest Category: Fungi

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes