Central Ore. – Oregon State University researchers have found that an increasing number of Douglas fir trees in the Oregon Coast Range are suffering from a fungal disease.
According to a survey conducted by the Swiss Needle Cast Cooperative of Oregon State University, trees infected with Swiss needle cast have their growth stunted by about 50 percent, which is causing an annual economic loss of $128 million.
Douglas fir forests are common in Oregon because the trees are valued for lumber.
By stunting growth, the fungal disease limits the number of board feet available to sell.
Researchers say the disease is spreading in the state because Douglas firs are overpopulating forests and also that climate change may be contributing.
