What Causes White Pine Blister Rust

Pine blister rust is a fungal disease of white pines caused by Cronartium ribicola. This fungus has a complicated life cycle, requiring nearby plants in the genus Ribes for intermediary hosts.

How do you keep White Pine blisters from rusting?

As of April 2016, there are no fungicides available for prevention or treatment of white pine blister rust. Michigan State University Extension suggests the following cultural control methods: Pruning out infected branches and twigs as soon as they are noticed. Prune at least 2 inches below the visible canker.

How do you treat rust on a pine tree?

The best way to control pine gall rust disease is to prune affected areas and remove galls in late winter or early spring, before they have time to produce spores. Remove the galls before they grow too large; otherwise, extensive pruning to remove the growths will affect the shape and appearance of the tree.