Pitch Witch? Pinus Rigida witche's broom, anyone have any insight?

Came across this at a spot i frequent. Have done some research into it, know what can cause it and all that, but no real answers as to this particular species. Just wondering if anyone out there has come across anything similar? Would like to try to air layer and develope.



rest of tree...

I've seen it on sand pine, Pinus clausa, down here. Try grafting it onto black pine, or whatever's easy to get ahold of and grow.

If I did not find grafting creepy and for the most part unethical would give it a go Russell. Perhaps on an other p. rigida with a nice trunk, but that would be the extent of it. I do understand it would be more vigerous on rootstock, am wanting to go for as tiny as possible though and dont mind to wait for development. Have you had any luck with those that you've encountered Russell?

appalachianOwl wrote:If I did not find grafting creepy and for the most part unethical would give it a go Russell.

Well, I'm not really sure how to respond to that, other than "each to his own" I guess.

Anyway, it's no secret that black pine is strong and long lived as a potted plant so it's the obvious choice for understock. Not sure what we can say in that regard to our native pines.

Personally, I don't do seeds, grafts or try to grow from cuttings. Not my thing and I'm not good at it, so I leave that to people who are. All I can say about the grafting is that I've seen it done successfully. It's what I'd do if I wanted to strengthen and propagate what you have found.

An air layer may take up to 2 years (24 months) to root, though you might get lucky and have it root in one growing season (4 to 6 months). In my limited experience, it has always taken more than 12 months. My experience with Cork Bark JBP was a full 18 months was required. Other species can be quicker or slower. My single attempt at air-layer of P. parvifolia - JWP, failed even though I continued the attempt for 3 years. Others may report different and more likely better results, but this has been my experience.

This said, if you hang an air layer, will this tree be un-molested by others for the time required? If disturbance is a problem, you will need to get over your dislike of grafting and attempt a graft. They at least allow you to move the scion wood home, unlike the air layer which will have to hang on the tree in the field for some considerable period of time.

Just my thoughts. Grafting is a useful and reliable technique for propagating slow or difficult to root cultivars of many genera of trees. If one learns to graft well, low into the root zone of the understock, one can effectively hide the fact that the tree originated by grafting.

Thanks for the info, Leo and Russell.  Forest critters would be the only threat to an air-layer i do believe, rather unfrequented spot. From what I've read p. rigida is very similar to JBP, if a graft is done it will be to another rigida. Let me clarify I have no problem with others grafting (each there own); I do find it acceptable in certain circumstances, bringing foliage back to trunk or something similar. JWP on JBP and stuff like that...... CREEPY! Have a much better idea on how to handle this little gem now, thanks again for the info yall!