Quantification of fungal infection in spruce needles from different sourcesc

A large number of batches of green as well as of chlorotic spruce needles were tested for fungal infection. Using ergosterol as a biochemical indicator for fungal colonization, the highest ergosterol contents were always found in partially or uniformly necrotized needles. However, no correlation was found between the ergosterol concentration and the chlorophyll content i. e. the degree of bleaching.