Small, light yellow or white pitch tubes formed at the beetle's entrance holes may be seen along the entire length of the tree's trunk. These masses of pitch often resemble popcorn in size, shape , and color but are not always present. Close examination of the tree will show reddish boring dust lodged in crevaces or at the base of the tree. Contact the Insect and Disease staff if you believe you have southern pine beetles. Root Rot Annosus root rot is a major disease problem of pines and other conifers.
Affected trees grow at a slower rate and are more susceptible to attack by bark beetles.
Annosus is caused by a fungus. Spores from this white rot fungus are produced in structures called conks. These develop at the base of infected trees and stumps. Conks are usually small and difficult to locate unless the duff layer is removed from around the tree. Most infected trees , however, do not produce conks.