Origins: Alps, Siberia

First finding in Slovenia: likely present for over 100 years

Pathways: spontaneous spread

Possible to identify: year-round

Habitat: Affects White pine species. Weymouth pine (Pinus strobus) is especially sensitive. It also affects currant-bushes, especially Black currant (Ribes nigrum). 

Status in Slovenia:  The importance of the disease is reduced since Weymouth pine is no longer planted. Black currant is infected throughout Slovenia.

Similar species: Other pine species including P. sylvestris, P. nigra, P. halepensis and P. mugo are affected by a similar fungus (Cronartium flaccidum) which causes the same symptoms. Only the host species differ.

Source: Terenski priročnik za prepoznavanje tujerodnih vrst v gozdovih (Fieldguide for the identification of alien species in forests)

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