True Fir: Needle casts

Biology

Needle casts on true fir are caused by several fungi. Infected trees develop brown or straw-colored needles which drop prematurely. Severely infected trees may have only current-season and one-year-old needles. The undersides of two-year-old and older needles develop elongate, dark brown to black fungal structures on either side of the midvein. The upper surface may display a single or double brown line of small dots in the midvein groove OR two distinct greenish or brown rows or wrinkles on either side of the midvein (not in the groove).

Management Options

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

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Space plantings to provide good air circulation.
• Control weeds in and around planting. Thin canopy and remove lower branches to reduce humidity.

Chemical Management

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

• None recommended

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