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WSU Christmas Tree Research Newsletter
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Spring
2001, Volume 2, Number 1
Joe Hudack, Ag Research Technologist
WSU
Puyallup Research and Extension Center
7612 Pioneer Way East.
puyallup, WA 98371-4998
253/ 445-4596
E-mail: hudack@wsu.edu
Strengthening Research
and Extension Programs to Address Issues Affecting the
Production of High Quality Christmas Trees in the Pacific
Northwest (PNW) – Gary Chastagner
The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is the major Christmas tree
production area in the United States. One third of the
34 to 36 million Christmas trees harvested each year are
grown in western Washington and Oregon. Recently discussion
has grown about the need to strengthen the Christmas Tree
Research and Extension Programs at Washington State University
and Oregon State University. Without increasing resources
to support research and education programs to sustain
the production of high quality Christmas trees, the industry
is likely to lose its competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Below are some of the changes in the Christmas tree industry
during the past 25 to 40 years.
- Increasing regulations and restrictions on a number
of key pest management tools.
- A decrease in the number of research and extension
people working with the Christmas tree industry.
- Stiff competition from artificial trees.
- A flat market for real trees. In 1960 about 31
million trees were harvested. This has only increased
to 34 to 36 million trees, even though the US
population has more than doubled.
- A shift in production from natural or wild stands
(75% in 1960) to farms or plantations (>90%
today).
- Shipment of regional production throughout the
U.S., increasing the competition in many of the
PNW traditional markets.
- A tremendous increase in the number of trees sold
through chain stores.
- A shift to species having excellent needle and
moisture retention characteristics. These species
appear to be replacing less desirable ones in
the market, not expanding the market.
The last trend is evident by the
tremendous increase in production of noble and Fraser
fir Christmas trees, considered to have the highest postharvest
quality of any trees available today. This shift has coincided
with decreased production of Scotch pine and to a lesser
extent, Douglas-fir. How is this likely to affect Christmas
tree growers in the PNW?
Historically, Douglas-fir has been the most important
species grown in the PNW. By all estimates, it will continue
to be an important species. Douglas-fir can be grown over
a wide range of sites, and a considerable knowledge base
exists regarding its production. Douglas-fir plantations
tend to yield a high percentage of No. 1 or premium grade
trees. However, if consumers continue to look for trees
with superior postharvest characteristics, the future
of the PNW industry may be tied very closely with the
production of noble fir and other Abies spp. having superior
moisture and needle retention characteristics.
Noble fir production in the PNW has increased from about
6% in 1969 to 45% today. This is a dramatic change given
the 8 to 10 years it takes to produce this crop. Unlike
Fraser fir, which can be grown over a wide geographical
area, production of noble fir is limited to the coastal
areas of the PNW. As Ken Scholz stated in the 1999 winter
issue of the Lookout, "Right now we (PNW growers)
enjoy the luxury of being able to grow one of the most
highly sought after species in the industry." PNW
growers are in an enviable position as long as they can
supply trees to meet the demand. Based on the increased
production of high quality trees in other areas, if PNW
growers are unable to produce noble fir, trees from other
production areas will likely replace PNW trees in the
marketplace.
Despite the many innovative and successful growers in
the PNW, an increasing list of problems is impacting their
ability to produce high quality noble fir. Availability
of seed becomes limited as natural stands of preferred
sources are logged. Growers are experiencing longer rotation
times with each successive planting. Diseases: Annosus
root rot, interior needle blight, Phytophthora root rot,
and current season needle necrosis (CSNN), several arthropod
pests: foliar and root aphids along with adelgids and
mites, are among the challenges growers must face.
The PNW Christmas tree industry must take a number of
steps to continue producing the high quality, competitively
priced trees consumers want. We need to do a better job
of education. We need to make sure growers are aware of
and are utilizing appropriate information and technologies.
We are aware of major gaps in our knowledge about the
biology of pests, their interaction with each other, and
factors affecting their development and management. Information
is lacking relating to the genetics of resistance to some
of these important problems or the role genetics plays
as it relates to postharvest quality. Filling these gaps
will require a multidisciplinary, regional approach and
long-term commitments by the industry and university researchers.
Possible components for a regional Christmas tree research
and extension program include: genetics/breeding, plant
pathology, entomology, weed management, soil management/fertility/microbiology,
production horticulture, seed/nursery technology, postharvest
physiology, and economics. Unless existing components
are strengthened and others added, it will be impossible
to provide adequate research-based information. The PNW
industry needs this base to remain competitive with other
production areas.
During the past year, many have discussed approaches to
develop the resource base needed to support a regional
research and education program. At the request of the
industry, Chal Landgren at Oregon State University and
I have compiled the following summaries of Christmas tree
research and extension programs. These summaries provide
program information and examine how growers in other areas
are addressing their research and extension program needs.
Pacific Northwest
The PNW leads the nation in the production of Christmas
trees, producing 12 to 13 million trees per year. Among
all crops, Christmas trees rank 6th in Oregon and 21st
in Washington, having a wholesale value of $210 million.
The Christmas tree research and extension programs in
the PNW consist of programs at Oregon State University
(OSU) and Washington
State University (WSU) that work together to avoid
duplication and to maximize resources in addressing regional
issues important to the industry. The OSU research and
extension program is conducted by three county extension
faculty who spend the equivalent of 1 FTE (Full Time Employee)
working on Christmas tree fertility and genetic related
projects. Extension specialists in entomology and plant
pathology at Corvallis have limited involvement with the
industry.
At WSU, three research/extension faculty at Puyallup spend
a total of about 0.8 FTE working on plant pathology, entomology
and postharvest quality problems. Only 0.25 FTE in state-supported
technical help is available to the Christmas tree program
at Puyallup. In Washington a limited number of county
extension faculty (0.5 FTE) work on Christmas trees. The
PNW Christmas tree research programs are mainly supported
by funds from the PNW Christmas Tree Association and various
other grants. Historically, the industry has provided
about $20-30,000 annually to support various research
programs.
Michigan
Growers in Michigan produce about 4 million trees per
year. About 2.6 Research/Extension Specialist FTE's and
2.0 regional county extension FTE's at Michigan State
University (MSU) work on Christmas trees. Program areas
include general production, fertility, pathology, entomology,
and engineering (spray technology and production-related
equipment). Several of the research programs also have
graduate students working on Christmas tree related projects.
The extension effort at MSU is organized as an "Area
of Expertise Team" that receives about $10,000 per
year to support its programs. As a result of recent legislative
initiatives, three new positions have been created to
strengthen the Christmas tree research and extension program
at MSU. Although the Christmas Tree Association does not
directly support research programs, the industry in conjunction
with other plant industry groups worked with the University
and the legislature to obtain $6 million a year in support
of a state-wide "Green Initiative" in 1999.
About $200,000 a year from this initiative is used to
support the new Christmas tree-related positions and to
provide funds to support ongoing research projects.
North Carolina
North Carolina is second only to Oregon in the production
of Christmas trees. Growers produce about 7 million trees
per year. Fraser fir accounts for about 90% of the production.
Approximately 10 FTE's at North Carolina State University
(NCSU) work on Christmas trees. About half of the positions
are at the main campus, while the other positions represent
county extension positions located in the major production
areas. The state also provides support for about 3 technicians
and 2 graduate students working on Christmas trees in
the forestry and horticulture departments. A combination
of state and grant monies supports additional graduate
students in other departments. Program areas include genetics,
general cultural practices, fertility, sustainability,
plant pathology, entomology, IPM, and postharvest quality.
In 1996, North Carolina established a breeding program
by adding a full time geneticist. Initially, the industry
was able to obtain $150,000 per year to support it. An
additional $100,000 in support recently has been obtained
to strengthen this program. Dr. J. B. Jett, Associate
Dean for Research and Extension in the College of Natural
Resources and other faculty working on Christmas trees
have been strong supporters of the industry. The industry,
in turn, has been very effective in obtaining additional
support from the legislature. The industry has clearly
demonstrated the benefits of strengthening the Christmas
tree research and extension programs to the state legislature-
more jobs, income and tax revenue, and INCREASED COMPETITIVENESS.
The Christmas Tree Association also contributes about
$15,000 per year in support to the programs at NCSU.
Denmark
Denmark is the leading producer of Nordmann fir Christmas
trees in Europe and probably has the most comprehensive
Christmas tree research program in the world. Growers
in Denmark produce about 7 million of the 60 million trees
harvested in Europe each year. About 13 FTE's work on
Christmas trees and greenery products in Denmark. Most
of these positions are at the
Danish Forest and Landscape Research Institute. The
majority of these FTE's are research positions with some
extension responsibility involving breeding, molecular
genetics, entomology, plant pathology, fertility, physiology,
weed management, general cultural practices, and postharvest
quality. A very strong genetics/breeding program is integrated
throughout most of the other programs. Danish research
is also focusing on protection of groundwater and alternative
approaches to managing weed and pest problems. About $1
million a year supports the research program in Denmark.
About 7 years ago, the growers began working on a mechanism
to provide support for their marketing and research programs.
Today all growers are assessed an industry approved "tax"
for every acre of trees they have planted. This raises
about $500,000 per year, which the government matches.
Of this, 45% is used for marketing and 40% supports research.
The remaining funds support educational programs and the
operation of the foundation that administers these funds.
In Denmark a "green tax" on fertilizers and
pesticides supports fertility and pest management research.
A series of regional projects relating to Christmas trees
are supported by various Nordic countries and the European
Union.
As I have had the opportunity to speak at Christmas tree
grower meetings in various states, I have found growers
in the PNW have a better history of providing industry
funding to support research than growers in any other
production area in the United States. However, growers
in North Carolina and Michigan have been able to obtain
significant increases in support for research by partnering
with allied industry groups and working with university
administrators. Together they have developed legislative
initiatives resulting in increased state resources for
issues important to the industry in these states. Growers
in the PNW also have begun to address strengthening research
and extension programs at OSU and WSU. During the current
session, a bill was introduced into the Oregon Legislature
to provide additional support for Christmas tree research
and extension activities at OSU. In addition, this past
year the industry established the Advanced Research Program.
This program is based on voluntary contributions from
PNW growers and provided $65,000 to WSU to support 1.5
FTE technical positions in an effort to strengthen the
disease, entomology and keepability research programs
at Puyallup. Currently, WSU's College of Agriculture and
Home Economics is developing a strategic plan relating
to the prioritization of programs and the future of research
and extension centers like Puyallup. Meetings with the
leadership of the industry are scheduled next month with
Dr. Ralph Cavalieri, Director of the WSU Agricultural
Research Center, to discuss how the industry might partner
with WSU to increase resources to support Christmas tree
related-research and extension programs. The involvement
of the Christmas tree industry in this process is critical
if WSU is to meet the needs of the Christmas tree industry
in the PNW.
Personnel Update
In June, Dr. Iben Thomsen from the Danish Forest and Landscape
Research Institute will start a nine-month sabbatical
working in Gary Chastagner's laboratory. She is a researcher
and senior adviser in forest pathology with responsibility
for fungal and abiotic diseases on trees, not only in
forests but also in the broader field of Christmas trees,
greenery, and urban and landscape settings. During her
stay in Puyallup, Dr. Thomsen will be working on bud abortion
problems, helping with our Annosus root rot project, and
learning more about the Christmas tree and timber industries
in the PNW.
Annosus Root Rot
In the early 1980s Annosus root rot was present in only
about 2% of noble fir plantations in the PNW. A recently
completed survey by Joe Hudak indicates this disease now
occurs in about 20% of plantations. We estimate that it
will kill 20% of the trees prior to harvest in some plantations.
Once this disease becomes established, it is very difficult
to produce subsequent crops of noble fir. The following
studies are either under way or will begin this summer
in an effort to provide growers management information
for this disease.
- Determine the effectiveness of various fungicides
and biocontrol agents to protect the surface of
freshly cut stumps from colonization by H. annosum.
- Determine the effectiveness of fungicide root
dips to protect noble fir seedlings from infection
by soilborne inoculum of H. annosum.
- Cooperative studies with Dr. Greg Filip at Oregon
State University to determine the effectiveness
of using various machines to remove stumps and
roots from plantations to reduce H. annosum inoculum
levels between rotations. Another project will
determine the effects various fallow/cover crop
treatments have on reducing the viability of H.
annosum inoculum on residual pieces of stumps
and roots left in the field after stump removal
or grinding.
Root Aphids and Coolley Spruce
Gall Adelgids
We would like to thank those growers who responded to
our request for potential sites to use for our 2001 root
aphid studies. A series of trials are planned to confirm
the residual effectiveness of Aphistar treatments in providing
season-long aphid control. We are also planning to establish
a series of plots to look at the effects of Aphistar treatments
in preventing symptom development on newly planted trees.
We are also looking at a new product (acetamiprid) for
control of Colley spruce gall adelgid on Douglas-fir Christmas
trees.
Swiss Needle Cast
During the past several years, the Swiss Needle Cast Cooperative
has supported studies to determine the effectiveness of
various fungicides in controlling this disease in Douglas-fir
timber stands along the Oregon and Washington coasts.
Although a number of new fungicides have been developed
since WSU first worked on the management of this disease
on Douglas-fir Christmas trees 20 years ago, the data
from these trials indicate various formulations of chlorothalonil
fungicides (Daconil, Bravo, etc.) are still the most effective
materials that can be used to control this disease, particularly
under high disease pressure.
Danish Christmas Tree
Project
This past winter we completed a 3-year-long project at
the Forest and Landscape Research Institute in Denmark.
This project has been supported by grants from USDA and
the Danish Christmas Tree Growers Association. Because
Nordmann fir has some resistance to Phytophthora and Annosus
root rots, it has the potential to be a suitable alternative
for noble fir in areas where these diseases occur. Although
this species has high quality foliage and very good moisture
and needle retention when displayed in water, it can have
significant needle shedding problems when cut trees are
allowed to dry. Working with geneticist Dr. Ulrik Nielsen,
we have used a detached branch technique to identify sources
of Nordmann fir having superior needle retention. We have
identified clones and provenances of Nordmann fir having
superior needle retention and have shown needle retention
is a highly heritable trait. Seed from these and other
natural range sources of Nordmann and Turkish fir are
being grown in British Columbia for a series of trials
to examine the suitability of this material for the production
of high quality trees in the PNW.
Canaan fir - Canaan fir is frequently talked about as
a potential alternative to Fraser fir. However, our postharvest
studies have indicated that Canaan fir can have significant
needle shedding problems if cut trees are allowed to dry.
Dr. Jim Brown at Ohio State University has been working
with various sources of Canaan fir for many years. During
the past 2 years we have used the same detached branch
techniques developed for Nordmann fir to test various
clones of Canaan fir from Dr. Brown's collection. Clones
having superior needle retention could be used to establish
a seed orchard. These studies will be continued for one
additional year.
Identification of Nordmann
fir with superior needle retention for establishment of
a seed orchard in the PNW
Nordmann fir growers in the PNW are interested in establishing
a Nordmann fir seed orchard for a source of locally tested
and adapted seed. Working with Chal Landgren at Oregon
State University, a number of growers identified a series
of Nordmann fir trees in plantations that could potentially
be used to establish a grafted, clonal seed orchard. To
ensure that only trees with superior needle retention
are selected for grafting, we tested branches from all
of the trees growers selected for needle shedding. Our
current plans are to conduct one more year of testing
on these trees before deciding which trees to include
in the seed orchard.
Preservatives
We conducted a series of tests this past winter involving
Vita Christmas Tree and Wreath Preservative and Season's
Greenings Christmas Tree Preservative. The Independent
Retailers Buying Association and the manufacturers of
these products supported these tests. Tests with Vita
preservative were conducted to determine the effect of
spray or dip applications of this material on the moisture
retention and quality of noble and Balsam fir wreaths.
Tests also were conducted to determine what effects spraying
or adding Vita to the water in the stand had on the keepability
of Douglas-fir, noble fir, Fraser fir, and Balsam fir
Christmas trees. The studies with Season's Greenings Christmas
Tree Preservative were conducted on noble fir, Douglas-fir,
Fraser fir, and grand fir Christmas trees. A report of
the results from these trials will be prepared upon completion
of the data analysis.
Grants
In addition to support from Christmas tree growers, the
WSU Christmas tree research and extension program receives
competitive grants from various sources. In cases where
granting agencies require matching support from industry
groups, we have used the support we receive from the PNWCTA
to obtain additional funds supporting our research programs.
This coming season, portions of our projects are being
supported by the Oregon Department of Agriculture (interior
needle blight/root aphids - $12,200, and Annosus root
rot - $14,780) and the Washington State Commission on
Pesticide Registration (Annosus root rot - $15,784).
Presentations and Workshops
• Joe
Hudak, Art Antonelli, and Gary Chastagner participated
in an all day hands-on workshop focusing on insect, weed
and disease pests of Christmas Trees in Lacey, WA, on
January 29th. Attendance was limited to 45 people. Based
on the responses of those in attendance, similar workshops
are being planned at WSU Puyallup this fall and one in
the Vancouver area. Gary Chastagner also participated
in a pest management workshop as part of the PNWCTA Annual
Short Course in February.
• Gary
Chastagner along with Drs Ulrik Nielsen and Claus Christensen
from the Danish Forest and Landscape Research Institute
presented a talk about the results from their 3-year USDA-supported
project to identify sources of Nordmann fir with superior
needle retention characteristics at the Danish Christmas
Tree Grower Association annual meeting in Nyborg, DK.
•
Gary Chastagner presented a talk
dealing with the recognition and management of diseases
on conifers at the Idaho Horticulture Convention &
Trade Show in Boise, ID, during January.
• Gary
Chastagner presented seminars dealing with various aspects
of the WSU Puyallup Christmas tree research program at
the University of Missouri and at WSU in Pullman during
April.
Recent Christmas Tree Related Publications
•
Chastagner, G. A, and K. Riley. 2000. Diseases that limit
the production of noble fir Christmas trees in the Pacific
Northwest. Pp. 13-21. In: C. J. Christensen (Ed.) Improvements
in Christmas tree and greenery quality. Skov & Landskab
Report No. 7. Danish Center for Forest, Landscape and
Planning., Horsholm, DK.
•
Chastagner, G. A, U. B.
Nielsen, and K. Riley. 2000. The use of detached branches
to identify sources of Nordmann fir with superior needle
retention characteristics. Pp. 26-32. In: C. J. Christensen
(Ed.) Improvements in Christmas tree and greenery quality.
Skov & Landskab Report No. 7. Danish Center for Forest,
Landscape and Planning., Horsholm, DK.
• Chastagner,
G. A, and K. Riley. 2000. Susceptibility of intermountain
provenances of Douglas-fir to Rhabdocline needle cast.
Pp. 68-71. In: C. J. Christensen (Ed.) Improvements in
Christmas tree and greenery quality. Skov & Landskab
Report No. 7. Danish Center for Forest, Landscape and
Planning., Horsholm, DK.
• Chastagner,
G. A, and K. Riley. 2000. An overview of the postharvest
characteristics of different Abies spp. grown as Christmas
trees. Pp. 74-79. In: C. J. Christensen (Ed.) Improvements
in Christmas tree and greenery quality. Skov & Landskab
Report No. 7. Danish Center for Forest, Landscape and
Planning., Horsholm, DK.
• Chastagner,
G. A. 2001. Needle Casts. Pp. 678-682. In: O. C. Maloy
and T. D. Murray (Eds.) Encyclopedia of Plant Pathology.
John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
• Chastagner,
G. A. 2001. Highlights of the international conference
in Denmark. American Christmas Tree Journal 45(2): 39
Project personnel
Project leaders: Gary A Chastagner, Plant Pathologist
John Stark, Environmental Toxicologist and Entomologist
Art Antonelli, Extension Entomologist
Support Personnel: Joe Hudak, Agriculture Research Technologist
II
Kathy Riley, Agriculture Research Technologist II
Paul Kaufmann, Agriculture Research Technologist II
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