True Fir: Current-season needle necrosis

Biology

Current-season needle necrosis affects noble fir and grand fir. The cause is unknown, but appears to be a cultural problem due to a mineral deficiency. Shortly after growth begins, the current season’s needles develop brown bands. These bands later turn dark or reddish-brown, and may expand to cover the whole needle. The reddish-brown needles drop from the tree. Current-season needle necrosis is not specific to a particular area on the tree. It does not spread between trees.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Provide proper culture for trees. Proper irrigation and fertilization can minimize cultural problems.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended