A large part of the German forests consists of pine trees. With the sometimes two-tone trunks, the gracefully shaped crown and the wonderful scent of pine needles, the conifer has become indispensable for many people. In addition, the pine also brings a large yield to forestry. But more and more mushrooms are also found on the pine - much to the chagrin of the conservationists. Once the pests have settled in the pine, quick action is required to contain the spread. This article will inform you about the most common types of fungi, the main symptoms and useful measures to combat them.
Fungal infestation can manifest itself, for example, in leaf discoloration
The most common mushroom species
- Sphaeropsis sapinea (pine dieback)
- Cenangium ferruginosum (shrinking pine shoots)
- Lophodermium seditiosum (pine shed)
symptoms
The fungus species mentioned above, which primarily target pine, all cause similar symptoms. However, in order to choose an effective treatment method, it is important to analyze the exact disease.
dieback
- dead buds
- distortions of the drives
- dark fruit bodies
- increased resin leakage
- brown needles
- wood stain
drive waning
- brown needles
- needles falling off
- black fruit bodies, yellowish when wet
- dying of whole branches
- when cutting, the diseased wood must be clearly separated from the healthy tissue
pine shed
- initially yellowish discoloration of the needles, later red-brown
- strong needle drop
Treat
dieback
- ensure low humidity
- water frequently
- Cut back affected branches
drive waning
- water frequently
- Control of the pine sheath gall midge
pine shed
- eliminate brown needles
- crop protection products
Endangered Pines
In principle, any pine can suffer from a fungal infection. The following are particularly susceptible to pine heaps:
- the Scots pine
- the mountain pine
- the stone pine
- and the black pine
The fungi are often introduced by parasites (in the case of shoot dwindling by the pine sheath gall midge). To do this, the pests use wounded areas in the bark to penetrate the inside of the tree and lay their eggs there. A key factor that favors fungal infestation is dry summers.
spread of fungi
If you notice the above symptoms of a fungal infection on your jaw, you should act immediately to prevent the fungus from spreading. Affected tree parts must be removed immediately and conscientiously. Also inform the local forestry office about your findings. The small fruiting bodies often sit on the bark, the needles or the cones of the pine. Washed away by rain, they get to the roots of other trees.