North Central Research Station

Blister rust canker on stem of a white pine.
Photo by M. Ostry. 

The issue

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is seriously affected by white pine blister rust, a disease caused by Cronartium ribicola, an exotic fungus that has hindered attempts to restore this valuable species to eastern forests.

What are we doing about it?

A joint project with Forest Service Forest Health Protection and the National Forest System is aimed at testing various management techniques and genetically improved seedlings from a breeding program to minimize damage from blister rust and to improve pine growth.

Research products

Katovich, S.A.; O’Brien, J.G.; Mielke, M.E.; Ostry, M.E. 2004. Restoration and management of eastern white pine within high blister rust hazard zones in the Lake States. In: Shepperd, W.D.; Eskew, L.G. comps. Silviculture in special places: Proceedings of the National Silviculture Workshop; 2003 September 8-11; Granby, CO. Proceedings RMRS-34. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 135-145.

Ostry, Michael E. 2000. Restoring of white pine in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan

For additional information on this topic, refer to:

HOW to Manage Eastern White Pine to Minimize Damage from Blister Rust and White Pine Weevil

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