Pine forests and industrial wood plantations in the Southeast are crucial for the region’s economic sustainability. And due to this, there are many concerns right now with mitigating needle blight. Tim Albritton, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) state staff forester in Alabama explains what they are finding their state.
Some easily viewed symptoms may appear as chlorosis (yellowing), brown-red spots/bands, and needle necrosis. Multiple years of infection may result in tree mortality.
But the sustainability and profitability of pine forests and industrial wood plantations rely on optimal tree growth. That’s why brown spot needle blight is a threat to tree growth.