Eight Research Projects Funded
Each year the RCTB Research Committee invests more than $200,000 in research projects aimed at addressing growers’ greatest concerns. The RCTB Board approved eight research projects for 2024-25. Over the next few weeks, we will showcase each of the projects.
Effectiveness of Fungicides in Reducing Phytophthora Root Rot Losses in Christmas Tree
Plantations – Washington State University; Dr. Gary Chastagner and Dr. Marianne Elliot
Managing Phytophthora root rot in noble and Fraser fir plantations is a significant challenge for U.S. Christmas tree growers and while cultural management methods can help manage PRR, chemical fungicides offer another potential solution. Because there is limited research on fungicides’ efficacy and residual activity in conifers, Washington State University will conduct field trials to assess the top-performing fungicides’ effectiveness in protecting seedlings and reducing disease severity, including which application methods are most impactful, optimal timing of fungicide treatments and how long treatments remain effective.
Bioassays to Test Pre- and Post-harvest Chemistry to Prevent Needle Loss – Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station – Dr. Rich Cowles
Ethylene gas, which is generated by a tree after the trauma of cutting or drying, signals enzymes that lead to needle loss in Christmas trees. This project will determine whether products that can manipulate ethylene production can be applied preharvest as a foliar spray to prevent needle loss. In addition, the researchers will evaluate compounds that block ethylene biosynthesis or plant tissue response
to ethylene, to determine which are useful to preserve trees while being displayed. Researchers will collaborate with the fir breeding program in Nova Scotia to evaluate these tools
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