| Abstract: | The biology of Lophodermella conjuncta on Corsican pine needles was studied. Results of a spore exclusion experiment and histological examination of needles indicated that infection of young current years needles occurred and that the fungus first colonized only the endodermis. Infection remained latent until symptoms developed, from hyphae penetrating the mesophyll from the endodermis, in July of the year following infection. Ascocarps were produced on second year needles by mid-August. Aseospores were trapped throughout the year.Infected needles were cast prematurely during the third season. The phenomenon of latent infection of pine needles by some pine needle fungi is discussed. |
