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Leucostoma kunzei

Leucostoma canker of spruce

Description

A predisposition factor of infection is drought. The fungal spores infect the branch bark through various injuries, the pathogen spreads rapidly under the bark of weakened tree, girdling the branch and killing it above the girdle. Older branches in the bottom and middle canopy section are more susceptible to the infection than younger ones. The trunk and terminal section usually sustain no damage. Distinguishing signs of drought effects are the general symptoms of reduced root system function, such as the dieback progressing from the terminal shoot, suppressed expansion growth of branches and shorter length of needles.

Symptom

Dead and dying branches and perennial lesions on the branches and trunk, which exude resins.

Tree Species: Spruce

Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk, Branch

Pest significance: Harmful

Pest Category: Fungi

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes