Pitch canker
Fusarium circinatum
What is Pitch canker (Fusarium circinatum)?
Pitch canker, caused by Fusarium circinatum, is a destructive disease affecting worldwide pine species. Insects, including engraver beetles, twig beetles, cone beetles, and deathwatch beetles, act as primary vectors for this fungal pathogen. It has been reported in various countries, including the US, Mexico, Chile, and European nations like France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Infected plants display resinous cankers, tip dieback, yellowing and browning needles, and resin-soaked bark. The disease thrives in mild coastal climates with fog, providing the required moisture for infection.
How does Pitch canker (Fusarium circinatum) occur?
Pitch canker reproduces through spores produced by the fungus Fusarium circinatum. The spores are dispersed through wind, rain, insects, and human activities such as movement of infected plant material. The disease can be introduced to new areas through infected nursery stock or contaminated equipment. Infection occurs when the spores land on susceptible pine trees and penetrate their tissues through wounds or natural openings. Once inside the tree, the fungus grows and reproduces, causing cankers and damaging the tree's vascular system, leading to wilting, dieback, and potential tree death.
Symptoms
1 - Plants Health
• Extensive death of pine species, resulting in ecological and economic losses. • Stunted growth and diminished vigor of infected trees, impacting forest productivity. • Lowered quality of timber from infected trees, affecting forestry industries.
2 - Impact on Soil
• Disrupted nutrient cycling processes due to dead trees. • Influences on soil microbial communities, affecting soil health and function.
3 - Impact on the Environment
• Disruption of ecological communities, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. • Changes in forest structure, impacting wildlife habitat and ecosystem dynamics. • Reduced carbon sequestration capacity due to tree mortality, potentially affecting climate regulation.
Solutions
1 - Prevention and Early Detection
• Use disease-free plant material from reputable sources. • Implement sanitation practices and quarantine measures. • Promote tree health through proper cultural practices. • Regularly monitor trees for symptoms and report suspected cases.
2 - Management Practices
• Prune and remove infected branches to limit disease spread. • Thin or remove heavily infected trees to reduce disease pressure. • Explore the use of biological control agents for suppression. • Consult with local agricultural or forestry authorities for specific recommendations. • Stay updated on the latest research and best practices for pitch canker management.
3 - Chemical control
• There are several fungicides available for managing pitch canker, including thiophanate-methyl, propiconazole, azoxystrobin, copper-based fungicides, and triadimefon. • It's important to note that the use of fungicides should be in accordance with local regulations and label instructions.
Susceptible Species
Alpine Fir
Nishiki Gawa Japanese Maple*
Monkey Puzzle Tree
pineapple guava
African fern pine
spineless jade agave
Philippine evergreen
pineapple
pineapple
variegated pineapple
New Caledonian pine
Norfolk Island pine
Philippine violet
cow's tail pine
pineapple broom
pineapple lily
pineapple lily
pineapple lily
pineapple lily
pineberry
Chinese water-pine
alpine candytuft
lupine
lupine
screw pine
screw pine
pinellia
pinellia
jack pine
jack pine
Swiss stone pine
Swiss stone pine
Swiss stone pine
Swiss stone pine
beach pine
Japanese red pine
Japanese red pine
Japanese red pine
Japanese red pine
Japanese red pine
Japanese red pine
short-leaf pine
Hainan white pine
limber pine
limber pine
Bosnian pine
Jeffrey's pine
Korean pine
Montezuma pine
mugo pine
dwarf mountain pine
mugo pine
mugo pine
dwarf mountain pine
dwarf mountain pine
dwarf mountain pine
dwarf mountain pine
Austrian pine
Austrian pine
Austrian pine
Japanese white pine
Japanese white pine
Japanese white pine
Japanese white pine
Japanese white pine
Japanese white pine
Japanese white pine
stone pine
ponderosa pine
dwarf Siberian pine
dwarf Siberian pine
dwarf Siberian pine
red pine
southwestern white pine
eastern white pine
eastern white pine
eastern white pine
eastern white pine
eastern white pine
eastern white pine
eastern white pine
eastern white pine
eastern white pine
eastern white pine
eastern white pine
eastern white pine
Scotch pine
Scotch pine
golden Scotch pine
Scotch pine
Scotch pine
Scotch pine
Scotch pine
Scotch pine
Scotch pine
Scotch pine
Scotch pine
Scotch pine
Scotch pine
Chinese pine
Chinese red pine
loblolly pine
Japanese black pine
Japanese black pine
Japanese black pine
Japanese black pine
Japanese black pine
Virginia pine
Himalayan pine
yew plum pine
Alpine currant
Alpine currant
shrub rose
pineapple sage
pineapple sage
umbrella pine
Alpine skullcap
Carolina lupine
wollemi pine
Spineless yucca
atlas broom
alpine aster
alpine betony
alpine clematis
lupine
pineapple weed
bristlecone pine
Vanderwolf's pyramid pine
dwarf eastern white pine
Scots pine (cultivars)
Alpine Foxtail
Alpine Anemone
Alpine Pussytoes
Alpine Sweetgrass
Alpine Sweetgrass
Pine Broomrape
Alpine Bearberry
Alpine Arnica
Rydberg's Arnica
Alpine Wormwood
Dwarf Alpine Hawksbeard
Alpine Aster
Alpine Milkvetch
Alpine Milkvetch
Alpine Milk Vetch
American Alpine Lady Fern
Downy Alpine Oatgrass
Velvetbells
Alpine Bistort
Pine Rockcress
Low Northern Braya
Pine Grass
Alpine Bitter Cress
Scorched Alpine Sedge
Alpine Sedge
Porcupine Sedge
Black Alpine Sedge
Loose Flowered Sedge
Clubmoss Mountain Heather
Long Spine Sandbur
Alpine Mouse Ear Chickweed
Alpine Chickweed
Alpine Chickweed
Prickly Hornwort
Alpine Pincushion
Alpine Dustymaiden
Spotted Wintergreen
Common Wintergreen
Pinecone Bromeliad
African Fern Pine
Pineapple
Golden Sugar Apple
Monkey Puzzle Tree
Monkey Puzzle
Pineapple Broom
Philippine Violet
White Philippine violet
Striped Philippine violet
Hophead Philippine Violet
Porcupine Flower
Mango Pine
Slender Pinepink
Australian Pine
Chinese Plum Yew
Palmilla
Rootspine Palm
Lago Yojoa Palm
Pineapple Orchid
Katmon
Pineapple Lily
Pineapple Lily
Pineapple Lily
Feijoa
Happiness Tree
Pineapple Zamia
Catesby's Lily
Mouse's Pineapple
Umbrella tree
Screw Pine
Screw Pine
Screw Pine
Dwarf Variegated Screw Pine
Pineleaf Penstemon
Dwarf Sand Pine
Longleaf Pine
Pine
Plum Pine
Buddhist Pine
Pineapple Sage
Pineapple Cactus
Porcupine tomato
Paper Spine Cactus
Philippine Almond
Wollemi Pine
Pine Cone Ginger
Screw Pine
Pineapple Guava
Spineless Hardy Prickly Pear
Pinyon Pine
Aleppo Pine
Loblolly Pine
FAQ
Do shade growing plants need any Sunlight?
Shade growing plants do need sunlight, although they require less than other plants. They need some direct sunlight each morning to help them photosynthesize and grow properly. Also, indirect sunlight throughout the day helps them stay healthy. Shade growing plants will benefit from the sunshine, but if they get too much or too little, then they can suffer the consequences. It's important to pay attention to the needs of your plants so that you can provide them with the proper light for optimal growth.
How often should you water indoor plants?
Indoor plants should be watered when the soil feels dry to a depth of about two inches, usually about once a week. A helpful technique to determine your plants' watering needs is to feel the soil before and after watering to get a sense of how long it takes to dry out. An important note to remember is that some plants require less water than others, and it's best to research the specific needs of your individual plants. Likewise, if your home is very dry, you might need to water more often as the lack of moisture can stress the plants and lead to problems like brown leaves and wilted stems.
Can my monstera plant get root rot?
Yes, a plant can get root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that can be caused by over-watering, poor soil drainage, or high humidity levels in the air. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting and stunted growth, and damaged or browning root systems. Sometimes it is difficult to detect root rot until the plant is removed from the soil, as the problems are mainly below the soil surface. Treating root rot usually involves removing the affected parts of the plant and replanting the unaffected ones.
Can I put my Monstera outside in summer?
No, you should not put your Monstera outside in summer. Monstera plants need warm, humid air to thrive, and direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Instead, put your Monstera in a bright, sunny spot with indirect light, making sure the sun never directly hits the leaves. During the summer, keep your Monstera's soil damp and mist it occasionally to keep the leaves hydrated. At nighttime, keep the temperature around 16 - 21°C (60 - 70°F). You can definitely take your Monstera outdoors for short periods of time, just make sure to bring it back in if it starts to get too hot.
What happens if my monstera plant gets too cold?
If your monstera plant gets too cold, it will become vulnerable to pests, disease, or other damage. Cold temperatures can damage the leaves of the plant, causing them to become spotted or limp. The roots of monstera plants may also suffer in cold temperatures, leading to root rot or other diseases. Belonging to the tropical family, monsteras are used to warm environments and do not do well in cold temperatures, so it is important to ensure your plant is kept in conditions that suit their needs.
Is it possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space?
Yes, it is possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space. Gardening in a small space can be as simple as growing a few containerized plants in pots and raised beds, or as elaborate as vertically stacking planters, hanging pouches, and hanging baskets on a wall, railing, or fence. Regardless of the size of the space you are working with, some simple techniques such as companion planting, organic fertilizers, and water conservation can help you get the most out of your small vegetable garden.
Is peppermint herb green good for digestion?
Peppermint herb is indeed beneficial for digestion. The flavonoids in the herb support digestion by reducing inflammation in the digestive track, aiding in digestion and relieving indigestion, heartburn, and even the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, peppermint is naturally rich in menthol, which helps to relax the muscles of the stomach, aiding in the digestion of food. Peppermint herb can be consumed in a variety of forms, such as teas, tinctures and capsules, as well as by adding the herb to food or directly to water or tea.
Should peppermint herb green be consumed daily?
No, peppermint herb green should not be consumed daily. This is because it contains high levels of menthol, which can be toxic if taken in large doses. Additionally, consuming large amounts of peppermint herb green could interfere with the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins, potentially causing vitamin deficiencies. For these reasons, it is best to consult with a doctor before incorporating peppermint herb green into your daily diet.
