Pine decline is a relatively new forest health issue presenting itself across the southeastern United States. The problem appears most severe where loblolly pine was established on sites that historically supported longleaf pine, or on highly eroded soils, or where stand density management has been absent. Pine decline has also been reported in stands atypical of these sub-optimal conditions such as planted longleaf pine forests. Observations suggest it is caused by environmental stress arising from interaction among resource availability, weather, insects and fungal pathogens, anthropogenic disturbances, and forest management. One of its signs is the pathogenic cycle of Leptographium spp. root disease. The current knowledge of pine decline was the topic of a recent workshop.
Results/Conclusions:
Our purpose is to summarize this problem, and distill information gained from the workshop regarding the scope of this issue and avenues of research to counter its effect on the sustainability of southern pine forests. The scope of pine decline appears regional. But, with research that (1) evaluates the conditions predisposing stands to pine decline, (2) assesses tree mortality to determine the extent and spread of pine decline, and (3) predicts the susceptibility, spread, and impact associated with this problem, forest managers can avoid further loss and maintain an array of land management expectations.
Keywords: loblolly pine, longleaf pine, root disease, Leptographium spp., resource availability, sustainability, pine decline
