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Importance - The importance of the pinewood nematode as a forest disease agent in the United States is unknown. It may be native to our country. In Japan, where the nematode may have been introduced, as many as 20 percent of the trees in some stands have been killed. In this country, the disease has been found more often in shade trees. The disease occurs mostly on species of pine, particularly the nonnative species. It is rare on some other species of conifers.
Identifying the Parasite - The pinewood nematode can be identified only through microscopic examination of a specimen.
Identifying the Injury - Affected trees show symptoms of wilting, coupled with a significant reduction in resin flow. Wilted trees will turn from yellow to brown within 3 months after becoming infested.
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Damage
Photo from USDA Forest Service Archives |
