Rhabdocline infected needles are yellowish brown to reddish brown in spring. These diseases can be controlled-but early detection is important. Described and illustrated here are the symptoms with special emphasis on the most distinguishing features. Disease development will vary somewhat with geographic location. Needlecast Stage Rhabdocline Needlecast Current years needles develop small yellow spots in late fall or early winter.
Yellow spots enlarge and needles appear mottled.
By spring the needle spots are a yellowish brown to reddish brown. Sometimes spots coalesce to discolor the entire needle. The discolored needles are cast in the spring after spore discharge. Swiss Needlecast Foliage symptoms include yellowing and browning of needles in late fall of the first year or during spring and summer of second year. Symptoms are most severe on older needles on lower branches.