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RCTB-funded Research Projects for 2024-25
The RCTB Board approved eight research projects for 2024-25, investing more than $200,000 in research. Over the past few weeks, we have been showcasing the various research. Below is a summary of one of the approved projects.
CoFirGE Part II: Establishment and Early Characteristics of Indiana and Pennsylvania SitesPennsylvania State University – Dr. Ricky Bates
Diseases, pests, and adaptability to regional environmental conditions can limit where Christmas tree growers can produce certain types of Christmas trees. For example, Phytophthora root rot limits were consumer-desirable species such as Fraser and noble fir can be grown. A number of these problems are related to site conditions, such as poor drainage, elevation, late spring frost, etc., which are major issues for growers that often have a limited land base on which they grow their crop. To address sustainability issues and remain competitive, industry leaders have indicated that the identification of disease and pest resistant sources of trees with superior growth and postharvest characteristics that are adapted to regional production conditions is a top research priority.
The Collaborative Fir Germplasm Evaluation II (CoFirGE II) project was initiated to identify elite Trojan and Nordmann firs that produce excellent Christmas trees, and to obtain a better understanding of how site and environmental conditions are affecting the growth and postharvest quality of Trojan and Nordmann firs. The experiment is a collaboration between universities and Christmas tree associations in Connecticut, Oregon, Washington, Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, and Indiana. Funding has been provided through the Real Christmas Tree Board for the original CoFirGE project beginning in 2019. This project seeks to develop the next stage of the CoFirGE II project by evaluating the establishment and growth characteristics of the CoFirGE II sites in Indiana and Pennsylvania. This project will provide U.S. Christmas tree growers important information regarding the heat and cold tolerance of Nordmann fir and Trojan fir planted in the Midwest. Additional data will be collected on key characteristics such as bud break sequence and needle retention. This project also assists U.S. Christmas tree growers by diversifying tree species options. Potential environmental benefits include reductions in industry-wide pesticide use, improved tree establishment rates and greater production system resilience in the face of stresses resulting from climate change.
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