Pine Pitch Canker: Fatal Trunk Infection, Remove Tree

Central Indiana: 15-ft pine died rapidly last year; adjacent pine has white substance on trunk.

Diagnosis: Pitch Canker

Caused by Fusarium circinatum. Major disease of planted pines in the South. Resin-soaked cankers on trunk and branches; bark remains attached but depressed. Girdling kills crown sections.

No Cure

Cankers on main trunk are untreatable. Remove and destroy the tree to prevent spore spread to other pines. Susceptible species: slash, loblolly, Virginia, shortleaf, longleaf, etc.