PESTS AND DISEASES OF FORESTRY IN NEW ZEALAND
Lophodermium spp.
Lophodermium spp.
From Scion publication Forest Research Bulletin 220
An Introduction to The Diseases of Forest and Amenity Trees in New Zealand
G.S.Ridley and M.A. Dick 2001
Species: Lophodermiurn pinastri and L. conigenum (Ascomycete)
Common name: None
Country of origin: Northern Hemisphere
Host(s): Pinus spp.
Symptoms: Canoe-shaped fruit-bodies on dead needles (Fig. 35, 36). These species are not pathogenic and do not cause needle cast. They are endophytes that live in live needle tissue and fruit when the needles are cast. Spectacular fruitings often occur when the host sheds all of its needles for some other reason, possibly abiotic, and this can be misinterpreted as being caused by Lophodermium pinastri and L. conigenum.
Disease development: Spores are wind dispersed. Infection requirements are not known.
Fig. 35: Lophodermium conigenum fruit-bodies on dead needles and
needle tips of Pinus radiata
Fig. 36: Fruit-body of Lophodermium pinastri on Pinus radiata
NZ distribution: Throughout New Zealand.
Economic impact: None.
Control: Not considered necessary.
References: Johnston 1992; Minter 1981.
