Control of fusiform rust of southern pines in the USA

Control of fusiform rust in southern pines has improved significantly over the last 10 years. The new systemic fungicide Bayleton provides excellent control in forest tree nurseries with 3 to 5 sprays per season. The topical fungicides previously used had to be applied 35 or more times per season to obtain equivalent control. Disease resistant seedlings have also become available to forest land managers for use in the reforestation programs. The first such seedlings, loblolly pines from specific geographic areas, have reduced the incidence of fusiform rust in young plantations by one-half. Both loblolly and slash pine seedlings from rust-resistant seed orchards are also now becoming available, and they should reduce disease levels significantly. New approaches, such as the development of seedling seed orchards from survivors of artificial inoculation tests should further improve the levels of rust resistance. Current research on the reduction of inoculum on both die pine and oak hosts may provide new management techniques for disease control.