Many forest owners, including farmers with areas of land planted in pines may be unaware of potential problems of Dothistroma pine needle blight, according to the Dothistroma Control Committee.

DCC secretary Don Hammond says the disease affects pine plantations of all sizes – from woodlots to major forests – and can have a dramatic impact on tree health and growth rate, and thus crop value.

Don says the DCC is a non-profit organisation with the sole function of coordinating the annual summer spray programme to control Dothistroma. He believes many may be unaware of the committee and its work controlling the disease – and how they can receive help.

“We’d like forest owners to consider the problem on their property and contact the committee so, if necessary, their trees can be included in this summer’s spray programme.”

Don says each spring and summer, affected forests are aerially sprayed with a copper fungicide to control the disease.

The DCC is a sub-committee of the NZ Forest Owners Association Inc, which coordinates the spray programme on behalf of all forest owners. “The committee, which is non-profit making, is also responsible for monitoring the programme and reviewing new research and developments that might improve the programme.”

Don says DCC is concerned forest owners or managers of small blocks may overlook the presence of the disease in their forests until serious damage to stands has occurred. “In addition, untreated stands create a source of infection to neighbouring forests,” says Don.

“DCC’s services are available to all forest owners – to ensure the best control of the disease in the most cost-effective manner.”

DCC purchases bulk supplies of copper fungicide at competitive rates, spray oil, and contracts aerial spray application.

“Committee members are from major forest growers, Farm Forestry Association and Scion,” says Don.

“Forest owners are urged to act promptly so their forest can be scheduled on the work programme for this season,” says Don.

For enquiries or assistance, phone 07 3323454 or 0274 885940. Or email: don@hrml.co.nz