What Killed This White Pine?

[Kikori]

Buzzers,

This White Pine in up for removal but before I do the take down I would like to know what killed it. As you will see in the photos nearly all the needles have fallen off. A few branches on the bottom have needles. There is a large amount of white pitch oozing from the middle of the tree in white streaks that streak all the way down.

There are two neighboring white pines to this dead one.
Any ideas? Check out photos and any feedback much appreciated!

Thanks,

Eric

 

[Kikori]

Here is a shot of the pitch streak...

 

[Kikori]

Finally, a shot of what appears to be the area that is the origin of the ooze.

 

[KTSmith]

Kikori,
It's always dangerous to diagnose from pretty much wideangle shots, but it looks like pitch canker to me which is caused by a fungus that has a Fusarium imperfect stage. The Sinclair and Lyon text says that eastern white pines are somewhat or moderately resistant, but I know I see it around here in New England.
The clincher for the diagnosis are the little cushions that bear the Fusarium spores. These are pink (sometimes almost orange tending to pink)and most reliably found on the scars that previously held fasicles of needles. I don't often see the cushions (sporodochia) at the margin of the canker itself. The disease is likely spread by weevils or sawyer beetles or other munching bugs.
Like I say, it could be a bunch of other things as well! Lots of injuries can cause resin flow, even without killing the tree! But with the heavy resin flow and cast-off needles and tree death, that's probably a good bet.
Good luck!

 

[Kikori]

KTS,

Thank you for your insight. I will now supply more detailed pics. See if they are consistent with your diagnosis. Also if this is pitch canker, is it contageous to the nighboring white pines?

First shot is of some orage dust on the trunk of the tree.

 

[Kikori]

Second shot is orange goo comming from previously trimmed branch.

 

[Kikori]

Shot 3 is ofbranch markings left by assumed host of the affecting fungus (insect).

 

[Kikori]

Last shot is a close up of a needless branch. Note the branch is completely bare. Thank you for any more thoughts!

Eric

 

[SirTreeRat]

Any evidence of Zimmerman pine moth, also?

 

[SirTreeRat]

Or, are there any shotgun sized holes?

 

[Kikori]

SirTreeRat,

I would say negative to the evidence of Zimmerman Pine Moth as there are no popcorn like bodies nor are the branches weak at the crotch of affected areas.

However if you check out "shot 3" area around collar that was bore into there are some shotgun like holes. What do you think?

 

[SirTreeRat]

Pine Wood Nematode.

 

[SirTreeRat]

Although rare in White Pine.....mostly in Scotch & Aus.