Needle Cast Guide
What:
Rhizosphaera needle cast is a fungal disease of spruce trees that causes needles to turn brown and fall off. Infected trees have few needles near the trunk and look thin or see through.
When:
Needle infection occurs most during warm (77 degrees Fahrenheit) wet weather and when they are young and still growing.
How:
In spring through early autumn, spores spread to new needles within the tree and trees nearby via splashing water. The fungus survives winter on living and recently killed needles. Trees stressed from drought and poor planting practices are more likely to suffer from rhizosphaera needle cast.
Location:
Damage typically starts on the lower branches and moves up the tree as time progresses.
Testing:
There are several other fungi that have the same symptoms as needle cast, so before you treat, you should send a sample off to have it tested.
Colorado Blue Spruce:
Highly susceptible and commonly affected.
White Spruce:
Somewhat resistant but can become infected when grown under stressful conditions.
Norway Spruce:
Relatively resistant but can become infected when grown under stressful conditions.
Economical Preventatives for Rhizosphaera Needle Cast:
Trees can be protected from rhizosphaera needle cast with properly timed fungicide applications.
Products With Needle Cast Guide
-
Chlorothalonil 720 Ag and T&O
DrexelActive Ingredient:Chlorothalonil: 54%Original price $119.95Original price $119.95 - Original price $119.95Original price $119.95Current price $97.69$97.69 - $97.69Current price $97.69in stockOriginal price $119.95Original price $119.95 - Original price $119.95Original price $119.95Current price $97.69$97.69 - $97.69Current price $97.69Sale -
Manzate ProStick T&O
UPLActive Ingredient:Mancozeb: 75%Original price $57.95 - Original price $57.95Original price$57.95$57.95 - $57.95Current price $57.95in stockOriginal price $57.95 - Original price $57.95Original price$57.95$57.95 - $57.95Current price $57.95
