MONTICELLO, Ark. — A fungal disease infecting South Arkansas's pine forests has had forest health experts on high alert.

It's called brown spot needle blight, and it infects pine needles, leading to premature needle loss, stunted growth, and long-term stress that makes trees more vulnerable to pests and pathogens.

The fungal disease has been around for a while, but experts explained that it has been unproblematic until now because it's affecting loblolly pine trees.

It's been found on loblolly pine in 11 additional counties in Arkansas this year, bringing the total number of confirmed counties to 25.

Associate professor at the University of Arkansas Monticello, Laura Sims, said managing it can be a bit challenging.

"There are a lot of loblolly pines planted so that they could support

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