Infection occurs through wounds from insect activities, weather damage, and mechanical injuries. Infected tissues have excessive resin flow associated with sunken, discolored lesions which girdle twigs, branches, and trunks. The diseased bark appears dark red and the wood underneath is also discolored. Shoot and branch dieback is usually most obvious from late autumn to early spring. Needles may be glued together from excessive resin.
Control requires sanitary and cultural methods.
Prune and remove twigs and branches with infections 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. Austrian pines are particularly susceptible to this fungus which causes water-soaked spots or bands on the needles anytime from spring to fall. The bands turn yellow to reddish-brown and there are sharp lines that mark the transition from green to discolored tissues.