It is considered by many to be the most destructive fungal pathogen of managed coniferous forests in the northern hemisphere. Annosum root rot was first identified as a potential problem in the South in planted stands in the late 1920's and early 1930's. Economically significant losses began to occur in the late 1950's when thinning of pine plantations became widespread. Annosum root rot can reach prohibitive levels on high hazard sites in the absence of preventative disease management tactics.
All southern pines are susceptible, but loblolly and slash pine are most severely affected.
Heterobasision annosum overwinters as mycelium in infected roots and stumps and as basidiocarps. Tremendous numbers of basidiospores are produced when temperatures are between 70 and 80 F and the soil is not too dry. Despite basidiocarps being partially buried, basidiospores are distributed effectively into the air. Wind-disseminated basidiospores, carried to freshly cut stumps and other wounds, account for long distance spread of the fungus. Basidiospores are also carried down into the soil by rain.