Synonyms: Endocronartium harknessii, Peridermium cerebroides, Peridermium harknessii.
Common name: Western Gall Rust.
Cronartium harknessii is a fungal species that causes pine gall rust. In East and Central Texas, it infects various pine species, particularly loblolly and shortleaf pines. The fungus produces swollen galls on branches, which can lead to branch dieback and reduce tree growth. It is commonly found in the region's forests and woodlands, with infections often associated with moist environments and cooler temperatures.
Pine-pine gall rust (Endocronartium harknessii, Cronartium harknessii rust fungus) on a swollen root at the base of a pine in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, March 10, 2019
Big Creek Trail, Shepherd, TX 77371, USA
Close up of aeciospores of pine-pine gall rust (Endocronartium harknessii, Cronartium harknessii rust fungus) in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, March 10, 2019Big Creek Trail, Shepherd, TX 77371, USA
Swollen pine root with pine-pine gall rust (Endocronartium harknessii, Cronartium harknessii rust fungus) in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, March 10, 2019Big Creek Trail, Shepherd, TX 77371, USA
Partially dissected swollen pine root with pine-pine gall rust (Endocronartium harknessii, Cronartium harknessii rust fungus) in Big Creek Scenic Area of Sam Houston National Forest. Shepherd, Texas, March 10, 2019Big Creek Trail, Shepherd, TX 77371, USA
Orange aeciospores of pine-pine gall rust (Endocronartium harknessii, Cronartium harknessii rust fungus) on Four Notch Loop Trail of Sam Houston National Forest near Huntsville. Texas, March 23, 2019Lone Star Hiking Trail, Huntsville, TX 77340, USA
Pine-pine gall rust (Endocronartium harknessii, Cronartium harknessii rust fungus) near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, March 11, 2023Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Swollen base of a pine with gall rust (Endocronartium harknessii, Cronartium harknessii rust fungus) near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, March 11, 2023Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Close up of pine-pine gall rust (Endocronartium harknessii, Cronartium harknessii rust fungus) near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, March 11, 2023Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, United States
Aeciospores of Cronartium harknessii rust fungus (Endocronartium harknessii) (stacked image) collected from a pine in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, March 11, 2023
Orange spores (aeciospores) of Cronartium harknessii rust fungus (Endocronartium harknessii) collected from a pine in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, March 11, 2023Observations of the fungus Cronartium harknessii in East and Central Texas reveal its presence on pine trees in various locations, including Sam Houston National Forest. The fungus causes swollen roots and gall formations at the base of infected pines, with aeciospores visible on the surface of these galls. Close-up images show the orange-colored aeciospores, which are characteristic of this rust fungus. Observations were made in different areas, including Big Creek Scenic Area, Four Notch Loop Trail, and North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness, with similar symptoms and spore formations noted across locations. The fungus was observed on multiple dates, including March 2019 and March 2023, indicating its persistent presence in the region.
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