Influence of Fertilization on Pitch Canker Development on Three Southern Pine Species. B. R. Fraedrich, Belle W. Baruch Fellow, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29631. W. Witcher, Professor of Plant Pathology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29631. Plant Dis. 66:938-940. Accepted for publication 13 February 1982. Copyright 1982 American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-66-938.

In greenhouse and field studies, canker length on loblolly, slash, and Virginia pines caused by the pitch canker fungus Fusarium moniliforme var. subglutinans was increased by applications of a complete fertilizer (containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). Nitrogen appeared to be the principal nutrient responsible for increased canker severity, whereas phosphorus and potassium had an additive effect when both were applied with nitrogen.

Keyword(s): epidemiology, Pinus elliottii var. elliottii, P. taeda, P. virginiana.