DiseaseHigh Severity

Pine Atropellis Canker

Atropellis apiculata, A. arizonicum, A. pinicola, A. piniphila, A. tingens

A serious fungal canker disease affecting numerous pine species throughout the continental United States. Multiple Atropellis species cause perennial cankers with characteristic blue-black wood discoloration and 'target' canker formations. Young trees are most severely affected.

Peak Season: Spore dispersal occurs during summer and early autumn. Canker development is perennial with annual expansion. Symptoms most visible during growing season.
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Pine Atropellis canker showing characteristic diamond-shaped, resinous cankers on pine branch with needle flagging

Identification & Symptoms

What to Look For

'Flags' of brown needles appearing throughout thin crowns
Perennial, almost oval cankers with bark remaining on faces
Surrounding tissue becomes sunken with little shriveling
'Target' cankers with concentric rings
Characteristic blue-black discoloration of wood beneath canker face
Cup-shaped fruiting bodies (apothecia) in masses
Partially girdled branches that die after complete girdling

Potential Damage

Branch girdling leading to dieback
Crown thinning with flagged branches
Young tree mortality in severe cases
Structural weakening from multiple cankers
Reduced tree vigor and growth
Economic losses in pine plantations

Lifecycle

Ascospores are dispersed by wind during summer and early autumn, invading branches and twigs through wounds. Each invasion site shows tiny brown spots with resin drops. Dark brown mycelium permeates sapwood causing blue-black staining. Apothecia develop annually as cankers expand.

Professional Treatment Approach

1

Apply systemic fungicides like Fungisol to protect high-value trees

2

Remove infected branches below canker sites when possible

3

Improve site conditions to reduce tree stress

4

Avoid overcrowding to improve air circulation

5

Protect trees from wounds that serve as infection sites

6

Professional diagnosis recommended for accurate species identification

Recommended Mauget Products

Fungisol

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against pine atropellis canker.

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Mycoject Ultra

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against pine atropellis canker.

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