Brown spot needle?

GATreeGrower · February 13, 2014, 06:42:28 PM

Longleaf planted Jan 13

BuckeyeAaron · February 13, 2014, 07:48:32 PM

It looks likes some sort of fungal infection to me. Generally speaking, fungi presence is evidenced by horizontal banding on the needles and it looks like there may be some judging from the photos - though it's tough to tell. If you want to clean it up, I'd suggest finding someone certified in your area (licensed applicator) to apply Zerotol 2.0 (diluted hydrogen dioxide more or less). This is a very mild oxidizer that kills all fungal body parts on contact.

Texas Ranger · February 13, 2014, 11:09:43 PM

Looks like tip moth

curdog · February 13, 2014, 11:57:57 PM

I think it's insect damage, looks to be some frass piled in on the seedling.

BuckeyeAaron · February 14, 2014, 10:43:36 AM

The pics make it really hard to see. And I'm not doubting you guys, but I've always associated frass with woody boring - not needle feeding. From what I've seen, insect damage on foliage usually results in "dew droppings" - sugary deposits.

curdog · February 14, 2014, 06:19:31 PM

Buckeye you're right I am having trouble seeing in the pics as well. I noticed the banding on the needles as well and I'm not sure about it. I'm leaning towards pine sawfly, but the tips of the needles don't have the typical sawfly feeding signs. Hopefully someone can give better Id on things.