Needlecast, Canavirgella banfieldii. This needlecast is a disease of Eastern white pine and Macedonian white pine. In the spring, infected needles curl and fade to tan or gray. Not all needles in a group are infected. The bases of the needles usually remain green and the needles often remain attached to the tree.
Control requires sanitary and cultural methods.
Prune and remove twigs and branches with infected needles during dry weather in autumn to reduce the amount of fungus available the next season. Tree vigor should be maintained. Fertilize and control insect infestations, and water during periods of drought. Because of the newness of this disease to Connecticut, specific fungicides are not labeled for use. Needle rust, Coleosporium solidaginis.