Needle fusion in Pinus contorta in Ireland.

Abstract

The disorder known as fused needle disease of Pines has been known in the South of England for more than twenty years (Jones, 1938) in California, in South Africa and Australia and New Zealand (Young 1940) where it has received a great deal of attention. Apart from a general unhealthy appearance and lack of vigour the disease manifests itself most obviously in the failure of the needles to elongate, or even at times to emerge from the sheath. They are not actually "fused" in the usual sense, and can be separated easily by the fingers...