Littleleaf Disease

Littleleaf disease is an especially harsh fungal infection that afflicts mostly shortleaf pine. The first symptoms of the disease are similar to the appearance of nutrient deficiency problems, yellowish needles, reduction of shoot growth and shorter new needles. The disease normally affects trees more than 20 years of age and increases in commonality with age. The disease flourishes on sites with low soil-nitrogen levels and poor internal drainage. A wide variety of research has been conducted to establish “hazard-rankings” for shortleaf disease and these rankings should be consulted prior to stand establishment. Control of the disease can be achieved through either stand removal and replanting with different objectives and species or heavy fertilization that has slowed the disease development.

For further information on littleleaf disease, visit the following link:

http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/fidls/littleleaf/fidl-ll.htm.