Farm Forestry New Zealand
PESTS AND DISEASES OF FORESTRY IN NEW ZEALAND
Cyclaneusma needle cast
From Field Assessment, Control and Identification of Common Foliage Diseases of Pine in New Zealand.
Primary diagnostic features of cyclaneusma needle cast
- Affected trees are scattered among unaffected trees – disease is not uniform in a stand unless the trees are genetically identical
- Needles turn mottled yellow and then brown
- Needles often have transverse bands develop during the later stages of disease development
- Needles remain rigid, and are very easily removed from branch
- The entire tree crown may be affected
- Symptoms start September or October, with a second (usually less severe) cast occurring around April
- After the needles are cast the tree crown appears very thin
- Trees aged between about 6 and 20 years are affected
Stages of cyclaneusma needle cast development (starting on right hand needle) from green to yellow to brown with transverse stripes developing on far left needle.
A tree with severe cyclaneusma needle cast on the left beside an unaffected individual on its right
The pruned tree showing yellowing typical of cyclaneusma needle cast
Branches affected by cyclaneusma needle cast
Disease location
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