Spots enlarge rapidly and encircle the needle forming narrow tan-brownish bands, and finally the tips of the needles die as a result of multiple infections. Many needles may be killed the first season they are infected. The fungus fruits on very small dark-brown to black colored elongated spots on the dead part of the needle. Spores are produced in wet weather and the needles may be attacked several times in one season. At least three successive annual defoliations must occur to kill longleaf pine seedlings.
Brown spot does occur on slash and loblolly, but is most serious on longleaf pine.
Fusarium sp., and Cylindrocladium sp. They attack young seedlings at, above, or below the soil line. Several things can be done to control damping-off. Locate nurseries on light sandy soils, because damping-off fungi flourish in heavier, wetter soils. Raise seed beds so they will quickly drain after a rain.