There are 5 stages in the life cycle of the fungus, and the disease mirrors these 5 stages. The purpose of this site is to explore the management issues associated with the biology and ecology of white pine blister rust. For the last hundred years, WPBR has been a problem throughout the continental United States. It was introduced from Europe, and it s believed to be originally from Asia. Although Cronartium ribicola does not harm the currants, WPBR always damages and is often fatal to pines.
White pine is important ecologically, socially, and economically.
It is a climax species in fairly dry soils not only in Wisconsin, but also throughout all of North America. Pines are harvested for lumber and are symbolic of some regions of American. The importance of white pine is vast and historic.