Red needle cast (RNC) is a needle disease affecting planted forests across Aotearoa New Zealand. It causes needle loss in radiata pine and Douglas-fir, which can reduce tree growth and, over time, lower forest productivity and carbon sequestration. RNC outbreaks tend to be cyclical and vary in severity. Importantly, the disease can build up for long periods without visible symptoms, making outbreaks difficult to anticipate.
This digital tool provides a regional scale indication of the likelihood of an RNC outbreak, based on recent weather conditions. It is designed to help foresters understand when environmental conditions are becoming favourable for disease development.
Note: This tool is best seen on a desktop monitor.
