Figure 52 - Symptoms of littleleaf are fading crowns, numerous cones, and short stunted needles and twigs. Phytophthora cinnamomi , and species of Pythium . These fungi kill the root tips of stressed trees. As more and more feeder roots are killed, essential element uptake by the tree is reduced even though adequate elements may be present. As trees weaken, the symptoms become more pronounced.
Trees eventually die from litteleaf.
The fungi associated with littleaf are widely distributed in the soils of the southeastern United States. There are no quick cures for littleleaf disease but there are several recommendations that foresters can follow to minimize losses. Trees under 20 years of age or 3-4 inches in diameter rarely show littleleaf symptoms. Infected trees can live as long as 5 to 6 years after initial symptoms appear but some trees may die in as little as one year. This is particularly true during extended droughts or when trees have been attacked by bark beetles.