white-pine blister rust
Quick Summary
White-pine blister rust is a destructive disease affecting pine trees, particularly those with five needles, commonly known as white pines. It is caused by rust fungi of the genus Cronartium, with C. ribicola being a particularly virulent strain introduced to North America from China around 1900.12
The disease impacts the sapwood and inner bark, leading to external blisters that release spores and ooze resin, forming hardened masses on the trunk. This can retard growth and weaken trees, often proving lethal to younger ones. Surviving trees become more susceptible to bark beetles.1
Control measures include planting resistant varieties, maintaining sanitation, and using fungicides. Because the fungi require an alternate host, such as currant or gooseberry bushes, eradication of these plants has been attempted, though with limited success.12
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currantCultivation and disease…hosts in the spread of white-pine blister rust, a destructive disease of the five-leaved pines in Europe and America. Because the white pine is a very valuable timber tree, the black currant has been declared a menace and is not grown in parts of the northwestern United States; culture of…
Read More…hosts in the spread of white-pine blister rust, a destructive disease of the five-leaved pines in Europe and America. Because the white pine is a very valuable timber tree, the black currant has been declared a menace and is not grown in parts of the northwestern United States; culture of…
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gooseberryMajor species…provide an alternate host for white-pine blister rust, it is illegal to grow grossularia in some states where white pine is an important resource.
Read More…provide an alternate host for white-pine blister rust, it is illegal to grow grossularia in some states where white pine is an important resource.
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