Survey of diseases and insects of Fraser fir and red spruce in the southern Appalachian Mountains

Disease and insect surveys of three Southern Appalachian spruce‐fir ecosystems were conducted between 1985–1988. Visual tree decline was correlated with the presence of fungal pathogens and insect pests. Fungi were isolated from tree cankers, necrotic roots and diseased foliage; while insect incidence and impact was assessed visually. With the exception of damage to Fraser fir inflicted by the balsam wooly adelgid, little significant pathology or insect infestation was noted. This survey indicates that major diseases and insect damage, particularly on red spruce, appear not be primarily causal in the observed forest decline.