Because this fungus is an invasive species, few native trees are resistant. This has led to a lot of research into finding genetic answers to this problem. Research has been done on both populations of the fungus and the host pines. It has been found that a few pine individuals have genes for resistance. There is also evidence that different strains of Cronartium exist, some with the ability to overcome natural pine resistance.
Research continues at various places across the continent.
Region 9 of the USDA Forest Service is working on genetic resistance to white pine blister rust. Their project is being done here in the Midwest, at the North Central Research Station, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Visit their web site . The USDA Institute of Forest Genetics is currently trying to clone the gene for resistance.