For 75 years, Torrey Pines Conservancy has been at the forefront of protecting one of the rarest pines in the world: the Torrey pine (Pinus torreyana ssp. torreyana). Nestled within the Torrey
Pines State Natural Reserve (TPSNR), these iconic trees have stood resilient through wildfires, droughts, and invasive pests. Today, we face a new challenge: pitch canker, a disease caused
by the fungal pathogen Fusarium circinatum. As we enter a critical phase of stewardship, we remain committed to preserving this unique ecosystem for generations to come.
Understanding Pitch Canker
First detected in California in the 1980s, pitch canker has gradually spread across coastal pine populations. The disease causes girdling lesions on branches and trunks, leading to dieback,
resin (or pitch) excretion, and increased vulnerability to beetle infestations. While Monterey pines are the most susceptible, recent monitoring at TPSNR has confirmed that the rare Torrey
pines are also at risk.
Pitch canker was first identified at TPSNR in 2021 after tests confirmed the presence of the fungus in trees near East Grove and the golf course. Since then, the disease appears to have
spread north along North Torrey Pines Road and into the Torrey Pines Extension at Red Ridge. Despite many pines showing symptoms of pitch canker, to date we have not observed a
significant die-off. However, we still have concerns about the compounding effects of drought, bark beetles, and pitch canker on the long-term health and persistence of this population of
Torrey pines.
Stewardship in Action: Our Response to Pitch Canker
California State Parks, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA), and the Pitch Canker Task Force have been collaborating to manage and mitigate the impact of pitch canker. Here’s what’s
being done:
- Expanding Tree Monitoring: Increasing the number of trees under observation to track the spread of the disease, monitor signs of resistance, and identify patterns of recovery.
- Photo Monitoring: Photograph a subset of trees regularly to document how pitch canker progresses over time, providing valuable visual data.
- Developing Best Management Practices (BMPs): Creating protocols to limit the off-site spread of the pathogen, particularly through the movement of potentially infected wood, cones, or soil.
- Engagement with Other Torrey Pine Land Managers: Coordinating meetings with other agencies and stakeholders to ensure consistent management practices across all areas where Torrey pines grow.
- Responding to Community Inquiries: We hope to share findings with you to support a broader community response.
The Bigger Picture: 75 Years of Stewardship
As we celebrate 75 years of protecting TPSNR, the challenge of pitch canker reminds us of the ongoing responsibility we have as stewards of this irreplaceable landscape. Our work extends beyond reacting to immediate threats—it encompasses a long-term vision of conservation, education, and community engagement.
Over the decades, we’ve faced many challenges, from preserving native habitats to mitigating human impact on the Reserve’s fragile ecosystem. Our commitment to safeguarding the Torrey pine—a species that exists naturally in only two locations on Earth—remains at the core of our mission.
What You Can Do to Help
While the Conservancy and our partners are leading the charge against pitch canker, the community plays a vital role in protecting the Reserve:
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from the Conservancy to stay informed about pitch canker and other conservation efforts.
- Avoid Transporting Wood: At the Reserve, do not move pine wood, cones, or soil. Outside of the Reserve, use or dispose of diseased wood and cones locally—do not transport wood inland, as all coastal counties from San Diego to Mendocino are infested. Limit movement of wood with bark attached. Wood from diseased trees may be chipped and spread onsite in a thin layer as ground mulch, chipped and composted by exposure to 120F or higher for at least 10 days to eliminate the pathogen, or burned. Any material that is removed from the site should be tightly covered with a tarp during transit and taken to the nearest landfill or designated disposal facility (not green waste) for prompt burial, chipping and composting, or burning. These actions help prevent the spread of Fusarium circinatum. Get more information.
- Volunteer: Join us in our conservation efforts. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference. One way is to join the Docents and help educate visitors about this threat to Torrey pines and best management practices for minimizing its spread.
Looking Ahead
As we navigate the challenge of pitch canker, we remain optimistic. The resilience of the Torrey pine, coupled with our collective commitment to conservation, will see us through this challenge.
By continuing to work together—as stewards, scientists, and community members—we will ensure that future generations can marvel at the beauty and uniqueness of TPSNR for another
75 years and beyond.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to preserving this extraordinary place. Together, we are making a lasting impact.