Sporulation May-October, spores are blown or splashed from tiny dark brown or black fruiting structures that can be observed with a magnifying glass to lack the longitudinal slit opening characteristic of needlecast fungi. Same as for redband. Distinguishing this from redband requires a microscopic examination of spores. Favorable environment Wet foliage Wet foliage Management 1. Control weeds and select a planting site so that needles will not remain wet for extended periods.
Copper can be phytotoxic.
Follow the label carefully. Same as for Redband. Apply chlorothalonil or mancozeb when needles are half elongated and again 3 wks. October Symptoms Several months after infection, needles turn lavender in color. Tiny black fruiting structures form in rows on either side of the midvein on the underside of the needle.