First Report of Fusarium circinatum, Causal Agent of Pitch Canker Disease, from the Roots of Mature Aleppo Pines in California

A rapid decline of Aleppo pines was observed in the parking lot of the Legoland amusement park in San Diego Co., CA. Although Aleppo pine is a known host for Fusarium circinatum, this is the first report describing resin-soaked sapwood lesions in the roots of mature trees. Previous reports on root infections regarded seedlings. The infestation in this location may have begun with infected roots in planted saplings. The persistent infestation at Legoland represents a significant source of inoculum for this pathogen exotic to California.