Characterizing Fusiform Rust Incidence and Distribution in East Texas

Abstract

Abstract Three measurement cycles were completed on an extensive network of loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) pine and slash (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) pine plots in industrial plantations throughout East Texas in 1984, 1987, and 1990. Because the incidence of fusiform rust caused by Cronartium quercuum [Berk.] Miyabe ex Shirai f. sp. fusiforme had been recorded at each measurement, it is possible to characterize the temporal and geographic distribution of fusiform rust among these industrial pine plantations in East Texas. Average rust incidence for each species by two year age classes is presented. For loblolly pine, there is no apparent change in overall average incidence between 1987 and 1990, whereas for slash pine, there is an apparent overall average decline of about 7-8 percentage points. For some slash pine age classes, the incidence decline is 20-30 percentage points. Loblolly and slash pine rust incidence maps depict the geographic distribution of rust infection by plantation age groups in East Texas. South. J. Appl. For. 18(1):29-34.