Annosum Root Rot of Southern Pines1

/Home/Garden Basics/Trees/Tree Diseases/Pine Tree Diseases/Pine Tree Annosus Root and Butt Rot Disease

Tyler Dreaden and Jason Smith2

Introduction
Annosum root rot (previously referred to as Annosus root rot) is widely regarded as the most economically damaging forest pathogen in temperate forests in the northern hemisphere (Asiegbu et al. 2005). Annosum root rot of southern pines is caused by the fungus Heterobasidion annosum (Sinclair and Lyon 2005), which can infect a wide range of host species, including southern pines (Pinus spp.) and redcedars (Juniperus spp.) (Barnard 1999). This disease can occur in both natural and planted forest stands but is most problematic following thinning in pine plantations. Annosum can cause tree mortality, reduced growth rates, increased susceptibility to attack by bark beetles, and regeneration failure, all of which have been documented in infected pine stands in Florida (Barnard 1999).

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Millie Ferrer-Chancy, Interim Dean.

Copyright 2009