Cytospora Cankerby mrgadmin on April 22, 2023

The fungus usually infects trees that are weakened by environmental stress, such as drought and freezing shock. Infection usually does not begin until trees are at least 10-15 years old.

The fungus generally enters through wounds. The infection usually starts on the lower branches and spreads upwards as spores of the fungus are dispersed by rain-splash.  Needles on infected branches first turn purple and then brown and drop, leaving the infected branches bare. Cankered branches are usually covered with white resin.