Identify White Pine Blister Rust and Remove Cankers

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White pine blister rust (caused by the fungus Cronartium ribicola J. C. Fisch. ex Rabenh.) was introduced into the United States about 1900 and has since spread throughout the range of white pine. The disease intensity varies throughout the range but is normally most severe where late summers (July-September) are cool (below 67º F) and damp, conditions necessary for blister rust infection. Thus, the farther north, the more blister rust.

USDA Forest Service
Northeastern Area
Office of the Director
11 Campus Blvd., Ste 200
Newtown Square, PA 19073
Phone (610) 557-4103
TDD (610) 557-4160