26-04-2025
Alabama Forestry Commission warns of fungal disease infecting pine trees
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — A fungal disease is impacting loblolly pine trees this spring, according to the Alabama Forestry Commission.
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In a news release, AFC officials cautioned forest landowners about brown spot needle blight, a fungal disease that leads to needle discoloration and needle drop.
The AFC release also said brown spot needle blight can stunt tree growth and increase the risk of pests like bark beetles.
'Just in the last few days, the agency started receiving calls, and the disease seems to be infecting trees with greater severity in west Alabama,' AFC Forest Health Coordinator Drew Metzler said. 'Although this pathogen has been affecting loblolly pines for years, mild wet weather over recent weeks has provided ideal growing conditions for brown spot needle blight, with infections generally beginning in the lower canopy of affected pines and spreading upward through the crown if conditions allow.'
However, things should be looking up heading into the summer season, according to Metzler.
'Typically, as we get closer to summer and daytime temperatures increase, conditions for the disease are limited, and trees usually green back up,' he said.
Symptoms of brown spot needle blight include brown spots on needles with yellow halos, premature needle drop, and thinning canopy.
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The AFC is encouraging forest landowners to check their pines regularly and to monitor for excessive mortality or secondary pests.
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