The disease caused by a beetle vectored microscopic nematode, kills pines when the nematodes increase in numbers plugging the vascular system of the plant. The plant unable to transport water dies rapidly. The light tan color of the needles throughout the plant and lack of resin in branches are diagnostic of infected trees. The epidemic has progressed from east to west in Kansas during the 1990's. Currently the range in Kansas extends from the Missouri border westward to a line from Belleville in north central Kansas southward to Marion and then to Harper in the south central region.
Control is by sanitation.
Burning or burying infected pines and then planting of less susceptible pines are recommended. Male sterile lines and suckers were affected. The survey ,funded through the USDA for studies of pests of export significance, was targeted for this disease because of phytosanitary regulations of Mexico and a significant seed industry in southwest Kansas. Diseases noted during specific surveys and growing season inspections during the month of September were several. Levels were generally low to moderate and little yield loss was associated with observations.