Progress 07/01/02 to 06/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This project included a wide variety of activities including laboratory and field research studies, demonstrations, product testing, clientele surveys, and plant evaluations. Fraser fir and Canaan fir post harvest analysis: Several post harvest quality characteristics were compared and evaluated under controlled conditions for these two species. This was the first study of its kind to document Canaan fir behavior in the post harvest environment. Results from these experiments led to the establishment of the Canaan Fir Improvement Program. Concolor fir seed source study: Trees from four Concolor fir seed sources were evaluated for post harvest characteristics, including needle retention and color. This study documented significant quality differences between Concolor fir seed sources commonly used by Pennsylvania growers. This study also led to an important collaborative project with Christmas tree researchers at Washington State University focusing on needle retention of
major Christmas tree species. Conifer transplant planting practices: This study compared a variety of planting techniques as well as the benefit of planting aids such as polymer root dips. Results revealed that several root dip products did not enhance tree survival or establishment and that certain planting practices used by growers were detrimental to plant root growth. Managing needlecast diseases of Douglas-fir: Rhabdocline needlecast caused by Rhabdocline pseudotsugae is the major disease limiting Douglas-fir Christmas tree production in Pennsylvania. These experiments evaluated traditional and new disease control strategies. Results from this study indicate that the standard three-spray chlorothalonil program provides good to excellent Rhabdocline control and is less expensive than azoxystrobin. Additional studies documented that Douglas-fir trees infected with Rhabdocline needlecast had higher levels of needle loss during subsequent indoor display than healthy trees. This was
the first documentation of the interaction between Rhabdocline disease and needle retention. Several Douglas-fir trees showing resistance to Rhabdocline were also selected from several farms and have been grafted. These trees represent an important genetic resource for future development. Canaan fir improvement: Over 150 Canaan fir trees with excellent Christmas tree characteristics have been tested for post harvest quality. These studies have resulted in the selection of 15 trees exhibiting excellent needle retention. These selections were grafted and placed in a pot-in-pot nursery for accelerated growth. After 2 years in the nursery, these trees were moved to the PSU Horticulture Farm for the establishment of a Canaan fir seed orchard. Results from these studies formed the basis for the PSU Christmas Tree Management Short Course. This annual 2-day educational program routinely attracts growers and industry professionals from 12 states and Canada. International collaborations have
also developed with conifer researchers in Denmark and Serbia, resulting in important exchanges of plant material.
PARTICIPANTS: Ricky M. Bates (Principle investigator), Dept. of Horticulture, PSU, Christmas tree development and evaluation; James C. Sellmer (Cooperator 50% time), Dept. of Horticulture, PSU, white pine weevil management and vegetation management; Gary Chastagner (Cooperator), Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, post harvest evaluation and disease management; Benjamin Hoover (Graduate student 100% time), Dept. of Horticulture, PSU, hemlock and fir evaluation; and David A. Despot (Research technician 100% time), Dept. of Horticulture, PSU, Christmas tree improvement and management. The project included the cooperation and collaboration of numerous Pennsylvania Christmas tree growers. Many of these growers volunteered their farms as test sites.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Conifer nursery managers, Christmas tree growers, nursery and garden center dealers, extension educators, and Christmas tree researchers are all targets audiences and have been exposed to these research results. Educational sessions through cooperative extension, statewide association meetings (Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association annual conference, Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association summer and winter conferences), and international conferences (International Christmas Tree Research and Extension Conference) have been the venues for the dissemination for this information. Efforts were made to insure delivery of research results to traditionally underserved groups, particularly Hispanic farm workers and women.
Impacts
Consumers demand Christmas trees that exhibit excellent needle retention characteristics and messiness has been identified as a major reason for not purchasing a live tree. Maintaining hydration is critical for acceptable needle retention in the postharvest environment, however genetics also play a crucial role. Concolor fir and Canaan fir are excellent Christmas tree species and are widely grown in plantations in the eastern U.S. Genetic variation within these species however is great and is related to geographical source. Needle retention performance varies widely between species, between seed sources within a species and even within a single seed source of the same species. Results from these studies indicate that seed source influences certain post harvest quality characteristics, such as needle retention, in Concolor and Canaan fir Christmas trees. Canaan fir with excellent Christmas tree characteristics can be found on farms throughout Pennsylvania and the
eastern U.S. This research has made it possible to locate, evaluate, propagate and save this important genetic resource. In the near future, seed from these superior trees will eventually be available to Christmas tree farmers resulting in uniform, fast-growing trees which are able to withstand longer display periods in homes. Results of this project have provided industry with an increased understanding of needlecast diseases of Douglas-fir and new strategies and tools to cope with this problem. Disease-resistant trees have been identified, propagated and planted for future use. These trees may one day provide the primary stock for clonal mass propagation via tissue culture techniques. New environmentally friendly control strategies have been developed that rely upon better symptom identification and improved spray timing. Environmentally conscience consumers are looking for alternatives to cutting trees from farms for Holiday display in their homes. This project has provided new
information on the use of containerized conifers as table top Christmas trees. Research on adapted species, indoor handling protocols and landscape establishment of table top Christmas trees will result in improved success with this new product by consumers and growers alike. The P.S.U. Department of Horticulture is now recognized as the preferred source for Christmas tree research and extension information in the eastern United States.
Publications
- Bates, R.M. and D.A. Despot. 2004. Growing quality Concolor fir. Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Bulletin 244:10-11.
- Bates, R.M. 2004. Exotic conifers: key points to consider. Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Bulletin 243:17.
- Bates, R.M., J.C. Sellmer and D.A. Despot. 2004. Postharvest characteristics of Canaan fir and Fraser fir. Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Bulletin 242:13-16.
- Bates, R.M., J.C. Sellmer, and D.A. Despot. 2003. Post harvest quality comparison of Canaan fir and Fraser fir Christmas trees. Combined Proceedings International Plant Prop. Soc. 52:150-152.
- Bates, R.M. 2003. Managing Rhabdocline needlecast on Douglas-fir in Pennsylvania. Proceedings of the 6th International Christmas Tree Research and Extension Conference 6:22-25.
- Bates, R.M. 2003. Beyond white pine: new and underused conifers. In Proc. Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Conference Proceedings, University Park, PA. 5-6 Feb. p. 94-95.
- Bates, R.M. 2004. Needlecast danger requires vigilance. The Christmas Tree News 3(5):1-2.
- Owen, J., R.M. Bates, G. San Julian and C. Langren. 2004. Deer management. American Christmas Tree Journal 48(5):38-42.
- Bates, R.M. 2004. Exotics with potential. Exotic Conifer News 14 (3):4.
- Bates, R.M. 2004. Field Notes: Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora). American Nurseryman 200(11):89.
- Bates, R.M. 2004. Field Notes: Canaan fir (Abies balsamea var. phanerolepis). American Nurseryman. 199(2):90.
- Bates, R.M. 2003. Assessment of azoxystrobin fungicide for the control of Rhabdocline on Douglas fir Christmas trees. American Christmas Tree Journal. 47(1):53.
- Bates, R.M. 2003. Improving postharvest Christmas tree quality: research and education. American Christmas Tree Journal. 47(1):52.
- Bates, R.M. and D.A. Despot. 2005. Quadris not effective in controlling Rhabdocline needlecast on Douglas-fir Christmas trees. Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Bulletin 248:12-16.
- Bates, R.M. 2005. Basal pruning. Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Bulletin 247:5.
- Bates, R.M. 2005. Douglas-fir disease management. Tree Scents-Maryland Christmas Tree Association Bulletin June/July:8-9.
- Bates, R.M. 2005. Shearing to meet USDA grades. Shearings-Massachusetts Christmas Tree Association July:9-10.
- Bates, R.M. 2005. Basal pruning basics. Great Lakes Christmas Tree Journal 1 (1):8-9.
- Kelley, K.M. and R.M. Bates. 2005. Containerized table-top Christmas trees, Part II. Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Bulletin 247:12-14.
- Kelley, K.M. and R.M. Bates. 2004. Containerized table-top Christmas trees, Part I. Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Bulletin 246:10-14.
- Bates, R.M. 2004. Efficacy of Quadris for Rhabdocline control. Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Bulletin 245:11-14.
- Bates, R.M. 2004. Developing exotic conifer species for Christmas tree use. Michigan Christmas Tree News 29(3):9.
- Bates, R.M. 2004. Caring for your cut Christmas tree. Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Quarterly Journal 19(3):26.
- Chen, C., A. Traore, J. E. Carlson, and R.M. Bates. 2005. Development of a Douglas-fir micropropagation system. International Christmas Tree Research and Extension Conference, 7th Meeting, Tustin, MI. Oct. 2-6, 27-28 pp.
- Dozic, M. and R.M. Bates, 2005. Assessing tree planting techniques. International Christmas Tree Research and Extension Conference, 7th Meeting, Tustin, MI. Oct. 2-6. 29 pp.
- Bates, R.M. 2003. Managing Rhabdocline needlecast on Douglas fir in Pennsylvania. International Christmas Tree Research and Extension Conference, 6th Meeting, Hendersonville, NC. Sept. 15-18. 22-25 pp.
- Bates, R.M., J.C. Sellmer and D.A. Despot. 2004. Assessing Christmas tree planting procedures. Combined Proceedings of the International Plant Prop. Soc. 54:145-147.
- Kelley, K.M. and R.M. Bates. 2007. Containerized table-top Christmas trees: interest among Pennsylvania consumers and attitudes concerning care and handling. Journal of Extension. http://www.joe.org/joe/2007february/rb7.shtml.
- Hoover, B.K. 2007. Evaluation of Abies species for use in Pennsylvania landscapes. M.S. Thesis. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. 55 pp.
- Bates, R.M. 2006. Seed source influences postharvest characteristics of Concolor fir. HortTechnology. (Accepted for Publication).
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Needle retention performance varies widely between species, between seed sources within a species and even within a single seed source of the same species. The objective of this research project is to locate, test and propagate sources of Canaan fir with superior postharvest characteristics. Canaan fir branches with the current and previous season's needles were removed from selected trees and transported to the P.S.U. post harvest display room at the Russell E. Larsen Research Center, Rock Springs, PA. Branches were displayed dry for the duration of the display period and maintained under continuous standard fluorescent lighting, at 48% + 5% relative humidity, and 68 deg.F + 4. Needle loss data was obtained at day 0, 7, and 10 by gently rubbing two fingers over the needles. The extent of needle loss was evaluated on a 0 to 7 scale where 0 = none and 7 = 91-100 % loss. Of the fifty-five trees tested, eight received an excellent needle retention rating of less than 1%
needle loss for first and second year needles over the test period, during the 3 test years. These eight trees were selected for grafting and terminal leaders were harvested during spring of 2005 and 2006. Cleft grafts were made using containerized 5-year old Canaan fir as rootstocks in April, 2006. Approximately 75 clones have been derived from the original eight mother trees. After the grafts successfully healed, the trees were transplanted into larger pots containing a pine bark media supplemented with slow release fertilizer and moved into the P.S.U. Pot-in-Pot nursery. This production system optimizes the root growth environment resulting in a large plant in a relatively short period of time. After the 2006 season in the Pot-in-Pot nursery the first group of grafted trees were large enough to move to the seed orchard. A six acre site was secured at the P.S.U. Horticulture Farm at Rock Springs, PA for the establishment of the Canaan fir seed orchard. The site was cleared and
prepared for planting during 2005-2006. The first grafted Canaan fir trees were planted in October, 2006. Future plans for the seed orchard include the construction of a deer fence and expansion of the Canaan fir needle retention testing. An additional Canaan fir seed orchard established near State College entered the needle retention trials, with 50 of the 165 trees being tested. Plans are also underway to test the progeny of the eight Canaan fir selected from the Adams County seed orchard.
Impacts
Consumers demand Christmas trees that exhibit excellent needle retention characteristics and "messiness" has been identified as a major reason for not purchasing a live tree. Maintaining hydration is critical for acceptable needle retention in the postharvest environment, however genetics also play a crucial role. Canaan fir with excellent Christmas tree characteristics can be found on farms throughout Pennsylvania and the eastern U.S. Many of these individual trees have been periodically set aside and planted into seed orchards. Researchers have begun to test for superior needle retention and these trees are currently being propagated. Seed from these superior trees will eventually be available to Christmas tree farmers resulting in uniform, fast-growing trees which are able to withstand longer display periods in homes without excessive needle shedding. During the year, 2 graduate students were mentored and Dr. Bates served on the thesis committees of 2 other
graduate students in other programs.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Rhabdocline needlecast caused by Rhabdocline pseudotsugae and R. weirii is the major disease affecting Douglas-fir production in the Northeast U.S. During the past year we tested the effect of Rhabdocline needlecast disease on the postharvest needle retention of a Lincoln National Forest source of Douglas-fir. Branches of untreated controls were compared to chlorothalonil-treated branches displayed dry and in water. The presence of Rhabdocline needlecast had a significant effect on needle retention. Infected branches displayed dry had needle losses exceeding 20 percent after 14 days and over 30 percent after 28 days on display. In contrast, healthy branches displayed dry exhibited less than 10 percent needle loss, throughout the display period. Displaying infected branches in water reduced needle loss. Infected branches in water had significantly less loss after 14, 21 and 28 days compared to infected branches displayed dry and infected branches displayed wet never
exceeded 15 percent needle loss. However, infected branches in water had a significantly higher rate of loss than healthy branches in water. Healthy branches displayed in water exhibited excellent needle retention with less than 5 percent loss after 28 days on display. A project was initiated to evaluate, select and clonally propagate Canaan fir showing superior Christmas tree characteristics, especially superior needle retention. Canaan fir from several Pennsylvania seed orchards were evaluated and selections were made based on tree habit/form, needle color and morphology, and growth rate. Branches from 55 selected trees were removed and transported to PSU for needle retention evaluation. The extent of current season needle loss was evaluated on a 0 to 10 scale, where 0 = none, 1 = 1-10 percent, 10 = 91-100 percent loss. Trees exhibiting excellent to good needle retention traits will be selected as candidates for grafting. A Good designation generally translates to less than 5%
needle loss over the course of the needle loss test period. Eight trees were qualified with needle loss ratings below 5 percent. Scions from these selections were grafted onto Canaan fir rootstock and will be planted into the PSU seed orchard.
Impacts
Consumers demand Christmas trees that exhibit excellent needle retention characteristics. Needle drop has been identified as a major reason for not purchasing a live tree. In this trial, Rhabdocline-infected Douglas-fir trees had needle loss rates higher than healthy trees or infected trees kept hydrated. Many Douglas-fir trees are harvested in November and may not show clear infection symptoms. Early symptoms of Rhabdocline needlecast may also be confused with Cooley aphid feeding injury. Trees harvested in the Northeast U. S. may be shipped to distant destinations, increasing the probability of dehydration and increasing the risk of unacceptable levels of needle loss prior to, or during indoor display. Growers need to be diligent about scouting and identifying Rhabdocline needlecast infection in Douglas-fir fields prior to harvest. If infected trees have been harvested, maintaining a high level of hydration can mitigate some of the adverse effects of Rhabdocline
needlecast on needle retention. Controlling Rhabdocline needlecast during the year of harvest is a critical step in maintaining the postharvest quality of Douglas-fir Christmas trees. During the year, 2 graduate students were mentored and Dr. Bates served on the thesis committees of 2 other graduate students in other programs.
Publications
- Bates, R.M. 2005. Rhabdocline needlecast increases needle loss of Douglas-fir Christmas trees. Plant Health Progress. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/sub/php/brief/2005/needle/
- Bates, R.M. and Despot, D.A. 2005. Effects of azoxystrobin application rate and treatment interval on the control of Rhabdocline pseudotsugae on Douglas-fir Christmas trees. Plant Health Progress. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/sub/php/research/2005/fir/
- Kelley, K.M., Stumpf, J.R., Sellmer, J.C. and Bates, R.M. 2005. Invasive plant species: consumer awareness, knowledge, and expectations. HortScience 40(4): 1136.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Planting Procedures: Christmas tree growers in the Northeast U.S. utilize a variety of methods for planting conifer seedlings and are increasingly adopting the use of commercial root treatments prior to planting to improve survival and growth. This project was initiated to assess the impact of planting method and commercial root treatments on tree survival and growth. Planting method had the smallest effect on Douglas-fir quality and the greatest effect on blue spruce. Use of the planting bar yielded the highest quality rating across all species. Choice of planting bar, auger or mechanical planter did not appear to have a large influence on growth rate within the first 24 months. All species planted 4 inches too deep with an auger except White fir had reduced width and suppressed terminal growth. BioPlex, Roots and LiquaGel did not significantly improve the growth rate through the first 24 months of this study. Rhabdocline Control: Rhabdocline needlecast caused by
Rhabdocline pseudotsugae is the major disease limiting Douglas-fir Christmas tree production in the northeastern United States. Recently the azoxystrobin fungicide Quadris was labeled for several Christmas tree diseases including needlecasts. This study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of Quadris for Rhabdocline control on Douglas fir and to provide information on application rate and timing when used in combination with chlorothalonil (Bravo). Control trees had a high level of infection at all sites, indicating infection conditions were favorable during the test period. In two of three side-by-side comparisons, Bravo offered better control than either 8 or 16 oz/acre Quadris. In one side-by-side comparison, Quadris at 16 oz/acre, offered control as good as Bravo. Results suggested that Quadris, used as the initial spray, does not offer reliable two-week protection against Rhabdocline infection. At this time, Quadris also does not appear to offer cost-effective control of
Rhabdocline on Douglas fir compared to Bravo.
Impacts
Nursery managers often spend limited resources on root treatments believing manufacturer claims. In this study, commercial root treatments did not significantly improve either plant survival or overall plant quality. The water dip control treatment had ratings as good or better, than any of the three products tested. Using a planting bar yielded higher survival rates across all species, followed by augering and mechanical planting. Intentionally deep planting adversely affected survival of Concolor fir but not Douglas-fir, Colorado blue spruce or Fraser fir. Overall, Douglas-fir exhibited the best performance. Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) has a rapid growth rate, is extremely adaptable, possesses excellent post harvest needle retention and is the most widely planted Christmas tree species in Pennsylvania. However, the Lincoln National Forest seed source used by most Pennsylvania growers is also highly susceptible to Rhabdocline needlecast (Rhabdocline
pseudotsugae). Results from this study indicate that the standard three-spray chlorothalonil program provides good to excellent Rhabdocline control and is less expensive than azoxystrobin. During the year, 2 graduate students were mentored and Dr. Bates served on the thesis committees of 2 other graduate students in other programs.
Publications
- Bates, R.M., Sellmer, J.C. and Despot, D.A. 2004. Postharvest characteristics of Canaan fir and Fraser fir Christmas trees. HortScience. 39: 1674-1676.
- Bates, R.M., Sellmer, J.C. and Despot, D.A. 2004. Assessing Christmas tree planting procedures. International Plant Propagators Society Combined Proceedings. Vol. 54, Accepted for Publication.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
During 2003 we continued evaluation of the postharvest quality of Canaan and Concolor fir Christmas trees and tested different hypotheses concerning the geographical and environmental factors that influence needle retention and needle color. Canaan fir: Xylem pressure potentials and overall quality were similar for both Canaan and Fraser fir except for trees stored 96 hours. Untrimmed Canaan fir dried to negative 2.4 MPa and was rated below average by the end of the display period compared to negative 1.3 MPa and a good quality rating for Fraser fir. Needle retention and color characteristics were excellent across all treatments for Fraser fir during the entire display period. Needle loss for Canaan fir began relatively soon during display, generally increased across all treatments, and was highly variable. Quality of some Canaan fir trees decreased as needles turned brown, but did not shed during the display period. Concolor fir: Trees from Rio Grande and San Juan
sources exhibited excellent needle retention during the 35-day display period. Needle retention for the Apache source was poor, whereas the Lincoln source was rated as fair-good. Needle color was rated as blue to blue-green for Apache, San Juan and Rio Grande sources and varied little during display. Lincoln foliage was rated green. No significant differences in stem xylem water potential were observed as a function of seed source.
Impacts
Concolor fir and Canaan fir are excellent Christmas tree species and are widely grown in plantations in the eastern U.S. Genetic variation within these species however is great and is related to geographical source. Results from these studies indicate that seed source influences certain post harvest quality characteristics, such as needle retention, in Concolor and Canaan fir Christmas trees. The need exists to identify Canaan fir seed sources that possess better postharvest characteristics, such as needle retention. If this is possible, the postharvest quality of Concolor and Canaan fir may be improved through selection and breeding programs. These studies also indicate that tree water status does account for a measurable loss of postharvest quality in Canaan and Concolor fir. Common postharvest quality problems exhibited include premature needle drop, poor foliage color, fragrance loss and reduced branch flexibility. Because of its excellent postharvest quality
characteristics, Fraser fir has become one of the most important tree species grown in the Eastern U.S. for use as a cut Christmas tree. Fraser fir loses water slowly, has a high damage threshold, retains its needles well when dry, and is quite durable in the postharvest environment. Neither Canaan and Concolor fir performed as well as Fraser fir in our studies. During the year, 2 graduate students were mentored and Dr. Bates served on the thesis committees of 2 other graduate students in other programs.
Publications
- Bates, R.M., Sellmer, J.C. and Despot, D.A. 2002. Postharvest quality comparison of Canaan fir and Fraser fir Christmas trees. International Plant Propagators Society Combined Proceedings 52: 515-517.
- Bates, R.M. 2003. Seed source affects post harvest quality of Concolor fir Christmas trees. HortScience 38 (5): 859.
- Bates, R.M., Sellmer, J.C. and Despot, D.A. 2003. Needle retention of Concolor fir from four seed sources. International Plant Propagators Society Combined Proceedings 53. Accepted for Publication.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Field trials to evaluate the efficacy of azoxystrobin (Quadris) in combination with chlorothalonil (Bravo) for the control of Rhabdocline needlecast on Douglas fir were established at Christmas tree farms in Clinton County and Schuylkill County, spring 2002. Douglas fir seed source was Lincoln National forest. All sites had high disease pressure and represented varying levels of management. Treatments include high (.473 L/acre) and low (.236 L/acre) Quadris rates in combination with standard Bravo rates at varying time intervals between sprays. Experimental treatments were compared to the standard disease control program of three Bravo applications beginning at 10% budbreak and a control of no fungicide. Trees will be rated for disease incidence, disease severity and needle color during March 2003. Applications were made with a Solo backpack mist blower on trees ranging from 1 to 4 m in height. Twenty-eight Canaan fir and twenty-eight Fraser fir trees of uniform
vigor/density, ranging in height from 1.5 to 2.1 m, were selected. Trees were grown under uniform fertility, were free of insect/disease damage, had at least 3 age classes of foliage, and were U.S. No. 1 grade (USDA standards). Fraser fir seed source was Roan Mountain, NC and Canaan fir seed source was Canaan Valley, WV. Eight Canaan fir and eight Fraser fir were cut on December 15, 17, and 18 and four Canaan fir and four Fraser fir were cut on 12/19/2002 and remained outside and unbailed to simulate lot storage conditions. Trees were laid on the ground in rows unprotected from rain/wind for the 0, 24, 48 or 96 hour storage duration treatments. Trees were drilled and bailed prior to transport in a closed truck to the postharvest display room on 12/19/2002. Prior to placement indoors, a 2 to 3 cm section was trimmed from the base of the trunk on 4 trees of each species from the 24, 48 and 96 hour storage duration treatments prior to placement on a 4.73 L, center-peg tree stand. Less
than 2 hours elapsed from the time of harvest to display for trees of the 0 hour storage duration treatment. Water was replenished so that the proximal end of the trunk always remained submerged. Trees were displayed under continuous standard fluorescent lighting, at 48 RH, and 20 C. Water was added to each tree stand to ensure that level in the stand was always maintained above the base of the tree. Change in moisture status was recorded with a pressure chamber. The extent of current season needle loss was evaluated on a 0 to 10 scale, where 0 = none, 1 = 1-10%, etc., loss. Overall tree quality was measured periodically and rated on a 1 to 5 scale where 5 = excellent, 4 = good, 3 = fair, 2 = below average, 1 = poor, unacceptable. Collected data for this experiment is not yet analyzed.
Impacts
Since the use of Christmas trees plays such an important role in the cultures of many people, demand will remain strong for species of Christmas trees that have excellent needle retention, needle color and moisture retention characteristics. Even though Pennsylvania has many successful and innovative Christmas tree growers, low seedling establishment and growth rates, diseases and certain post harvest handling practices are limiting the ability to meet the demand for these trees. Many basic questions remain unanswered concerning water relations, disease biology and best management practices. It is the intent of this project to investigate ways to improve conifer production practices, post harvest handling and care and, ultimately, profitability. The post harvest research will establish baseline data for important Christmas tree quality factors such as critical moisture thresholds and the role foliage morphology and seed source play in post harvest performance of
several important species. The proposed fungicide research will attempt to determine optimal application rates, spray intervals and how to use the compound in a chlorothalonil-based disease management program. Additional studies will investigate the impact of Rhabdocline on Douglas fir post harvest quality factors.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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