My Woollami Nobilis Pine Seems To Have A Fungus. Leaves And Pine Bud Are Turning Brown.

Question

Lower leaves are all brown, but I thought this was normal. Now other leaves are browning and some buds are deformed and browning. I can see small white fungus type growths on the main trunk and on the buds. It is approx. 5 feet tall in large pot, I’ve had it for 6 years. I’m extremely fond and proud of my Woollami pine and don’t want to lose it, please help.

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Answer 1

This is an endangered tree that needs special care. It is susceptible to harmful pathogens and should be protected. White fungal spots can be caused by powdery mildew, heart rot, mealy bugs, or diplodia shoot blight. After reading about each of these afflictions and looking at photos, it could be diplodia shoot blight. Here is information on each one:

https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=291688

https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/134274/wollemia-nobilis/details

https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/diplodia-shoot-blight-and-canker

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/heart-rot-in-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/powdery-mildew-on-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/outdoor-mealybug-control.htm