Dothistroma Needle Blight in Omaha Pine Trees
One of the most common fungal diseases of pines in Nebraska, responsible for much of the premature needle drop seen in windbreaks and ornamental plantings.
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What dothistroma needle blight is
Dothistroma needle blight is one of the most common fungal diseases of pines in Nebraska. It's responsible for much of the premature needle drop that occurs in windbreaks and ornamental pine plantings across the region.
Twenty pine species are affected by this disease. It's found most commonly in the central and eastern United States and causes the greatest amount of damage on Austrian and Ponderosa pine. Scotch pine is usually not severely damaged.
How to identify the symptoms
Symptoms of infection begin in the fall: yellow or tan spots appear on needles of the current year's growth or older growth. These spots darken over time and become brown or reddish-brown, then spread to form a band around the needle.
These bands are often bordered by a yellow, chlorotic ring on each side. The fungus grows within these tissues, killing the portion of the needle beyond the lesion — which is what produces the browning and needle drop seen in affected windbreaks.
Related reading
See all guidesDiplodia Tip Blight
Another common fungal disease affecting Nebraska pines, with a different infection pattern.
Pine Bark Beetle
Stressed or diseased pines are more vulnerable to bark beetle attack.
Needle Cast Treatment
Our needle cast treatment program addresses fungal needle diseases like Dothistroma before they defoliate a windbreak.
