Loblolly pines across the southeast are infected by fungi that cause pine needle diseases like brown spot needle blight and needle cast. Infected trees experience early loss of needles, reduced growth, and even mortality in severe cases. While needle disease outbreaks were originally only reported in a few states, the issue has spread to encompass the entire U.S. southeast, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas. These diseases put the construction and paper industries at risk, as well as grove managers’ livelihoods, as infected trees reduce yields and profits.
The symptoms of needle cast on a young loblolly pine. Credit: Elizabeth McCarty, UGA
Researchers discovered that multiple fungi are causing pine needle diseases in different areas, and the identification of the organisms involved is critical to recommend the correct management strategy. Traditional diagnostics cannot easily differentiate fungi, making it difficult to accurately determine the cause of these diseases. To better understand the underlying causes of the diseases, University of Georgia Research Foundation researchers, led by associate professor of forest pathology Dr. Caterina Villari, are developing a universal diagnostic technology that can be used as a more accurate screening tool for needle diseases in southern pines. They are also working on a multi-faceted outreach approach to inform forestry consultants, county agents and state foresters, and to assist them in supporting growers.
FFAR’s ROAR program rapidly funds research and outreach in response to emerging or unanticipated threats to U.S. food supply or agricultural systems.