Strange behaviour on my pine needles

[xtolord]

Hi all,
I've been checking my pine [ pinus elliottii ] this morning, and decided to turn it around to have a check on the growth all around the tree.
The front side it ok, but I've found several strange behaviours on the needles at the back.
The needles are dying out at the middle.

I've added some shots below:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/xtolord/63 ... 544012446/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/xtolord/63 ... 544012446/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/xtolord/63 ... 544012446/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/xtolord/63 ... 544012446/


Any one ever got this before?
Or heard about it?

Thanks in adv.
Xavier

[NBPCA]

Hi Xavier,

It could be a mild infection of a fungal disease called Dothistroma or similar. It is usually controlled with a Copper based spray but you will need to do some research in your area to find out if it is likley to be the cause and what is registered for use to control such infections in your country.

You are growing a more tropical tolerant pine so your conditions may be different.
Grant

[xtolord]

Thanks for the reply Grant,

I forgot to mention in the initial message that we just went through a severe 2~3 weeks drough.

I'm going to look if I can get some medicine for the fungus.
In the meantime I've cut off the needles that were dying off.
If I dont see any further occurence of the dying out I think I can add it to the drough.
Else I'm going to have to spay some =)