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Valsa abietis

Cytospora canker

Description

The lumps on needles are pycnidia of asexual stage Cytospora pinastri in which conidiospores are created. In the time of fir flushing, they infect the youngest needles just in bud. Needles older than two years as well as the unwounded bark of branches are resistant to infection. However, once the infection occurs, the mycelium spreads out through the plant tissues under the bark towards the trunk of the tree, but the infection does not proceed to the trunk. Weakened trees, e.g. in the dry spring season, have a predisposition to disease development.

Symptom

The lumps on needles are pycnidia of asexual stage Cytospora pinastri in which conidiospores are created. In the time of fir flushing, they infect the youngest needles just in bud.

Tree Species: Fir

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Fungi

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes