Diplodia Tip Blight in Nebraska Pines
One of the most damaging pine diseases in Nebraska, caused by the fungus Sphaeropsis sapinea.
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What diplodia tip blight is
Diplodia tip blight, formerly known as Sphaeropsis tip blight, is one of the most damaging diseases of pines in Nebraska. It's caused by the fungus Sphaeropsis sapinea and causes browning and death of branch tips.
Austrian pine is the species most commonly affected, though the fungus can also infect Ponderosa, Scotts, and Mugo pines. In severe cases, infection kills major branches and can eventually kill the entire tree.
How the disease spreads and infects new growth
Sphaeropsis sapinea overwinters in fruiting bodies on needles, fascicle sheaths, seed cone scales, and bark. Spores are released during wet spring weather and spread by rain splash to nearby shoots.
The fungus needs high humidity to germinate and infect, and it targets new shoots within two weeks of bud break. Once established, it rapidly colonizes and kills the shoot.
Which trees are most at risk
Diplodia tip blight primarily affects mature trees, generally those 30 years or older, though younger pines can still become infected from spore showers produced by nearby diseased trees.
Older shoots on a tree are typically only vulnerable to infection after they've been injured — by hail, insect feeding, or pruning cuts — which gives the fungus an entry point.
