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WSU Christmas Tree Research Newsletter |
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Spring 2001, Volume 2, Number 1
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.
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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