Rhabdocline pseudotsugae

Rhabdocline needle cast

Description

The infection of the youngest needles appears already in May, however, the highest infection pressure comes in June and early August. Yellowish spots appear on the needles in September, the needles slightly turn brown by winter. In spring the needles are spotted or they are all brown. Severely infected needles fall off in spring. In May, fruiting bodies with spores, which mature inside in the middle of June, begin to be formed on those needles that remain on the tree. The trees, 2-30 years old, growing in closed stands or near streams are susceptible to infection. The fungus was introduced to Europe (Scotland) from North America around 1914. In Europe common at present time.

Symptom

Yellowish spots appear on the needles in September, the needles slightly turn brown by winter. In spring the needles are spotted or they are all brown.

Tree Species: Douglas Fir

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Harmful

Pest Category: Fungi

Invasive Species: Yes

Present in EU: Yes