What is Swiss Needle Cast?
Swiss Needle Cast (SNC) is a foliage disease of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) caused by the ascomycete fungus Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii, resulting in defoliation and reduction of growth. Currently it is causing an epidemic west of the Oregon coast range from Coos Bay to Astoria. It was first discovered on Douglas-fir that was imported to Europe in the early 20th Century, hence the name "Swiss" needle cast. The pathogen itself is native to the Pacific Northwest and specific to Douglas-fir. Under most conditions is a benign component of the tree canopy. However, the pathogen is causing an epidemic in coastal Oregon affecting hundreds of thousands of acres (See figure at right).

General symptoms include chlorotic needles, decreased needle retention resulting in sparse crowns, and reductions in growth. The infection of a needle occurs only on current-year foliage in the spring during, or shortly after, needle flush. The spore lands on the needle, germinates, and grows on the needle surface until it finds a suitable air pore to grow into. Growth losses in the area of epidemic have been in the range of 20-55%. Estimated annual growth impacts exceed $200 million per year.

What is the Swiss Needle Cast Cooperative?
The Swiss Needle Cast Cooperative (SNCC) was established in January 1997. The mission of the SNCC is to conduct research on enhancing Douglas-fir productivity and forest health in the presence of Swiss needle cast and other diseases in coastal forests of Oregon and Washington. The original mission was broadened in 2004 to include research aiming to ensure that Douglas-fir remains a productive component of the Coast Range forests. Damage caused by Swiss needle cast, a native foliage disease that affects Douglas-fir, has made it imperative that new research be conducted to learn practical methods of disease detection and management to maintain the health and productivity of Douglas-fir plantations. Efforts to understand the epidemiology, symptoms, and growth losses from SNC have highlighted gaps in our knowledge of basic Douglas-fir physiology, growth, and silviculture. Because members participate directly in problem identification and research solutions, communications of results is speeded and results are applied more rapidly and effectively. SNCC is located in the Department of Forest Science within the College of Forestry at Oregon State University. The Membership is comprised of private, state, and federal organizations. Membership dues vary depending on forestland ownership. One annual report and project reports are distributed to members each year. All projects are carried out in cooperation with specific members on their land holdings.

The focus of SNCC is Swiss needle cast research for forest land owners in the Pacific Northwest. The purpose of SNCC is to provide the following services:

1. Conduct research on the biology, detection, and management of Swiss needle cast in Douglas-fir as related to basic infection biology and genetics, tree physiological dysfunctions, aerial and ground survey technology, disease hazard and risk rating,tree resistance and genetics, growth and yield impacts, and strategies for control.
2. Conduct training and workshops on research and survey results.
3. Provide newsletters and reports on research and surveys.
4. Serve as a focal point for information on Swiss needle cast.