scholarly journals QUALITY STANDARDS FOR CHRISTMAS TREES: HARMFUL OR HELPFUL?

HortScience ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 849f-849
Author(s):  
Orville M. Lindstrom ◽  
Wojciech J. Florkowski
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Demand ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Quality Standards ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Voluntary Standards ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
Price Differentials

It is more important than ever to produce a quality Christmas tree because of increasing competition in the Christmas tree market. Grade standards are intended to reflect quality, as defined by the consumer, to the grower. The USDA revised a set of voluntary standards for Christmas trees effective October 30, 1989. The existence of different grade standards cause the existence of several prices that correspond to each grade. The price differentials among grades should reflect the quality or desired consumer attribute. Therefore, a description of a grade that is not reflective of that desired by the consumer can lead to missallocation of resources by producers resulting in economic losses. The new USDA standards did not include consumer opinion information into the new standards, therefore, we feel these standards are more applicable to producer-wholesale transactions, and not that of the producer-consumer. It was found that over 75% of surveyed growers in Georgia sold almost 80% of their trees as choose and cut, not wholesale. Consumer demand will drive the Christmas tree market and, therefore, consumer preferences need to be incorporated into the grade standards.

scholarly journals ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS OF CHOOSE-AND-CUT CHRISTMAS TREE CONSUMERS

HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 1175f-1175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malgorzata A. Florkowska ◽  
Orville M. Lindstrom ◽  
Wojciech J. Florkowski
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Customer Loyalty ◽  
College Graduates ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
Attitudes And Perceptions ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Common Tree

A survey was conducted to investigate consumer preferences in a Christmas tree purchase. The survey asked about consumers' socioeconomic status, customer loyalty and on farm buying habits, specific tree preferences, and preferences of live versus artificial trees. Fifty-three percent of the 148 respondents were male and 61% were between the ages of 25-44. Thirty-three percent had 3 children, 50% were college graduates and 59X had a family income greater than $35,000. Sixty-eight percent purchased their tree at the same farm as they did the previous year, 62% traveled from 1-10 miles to the farm, 50% of trees were purchased by December 8, and 70% of the purchases were during the afternoon. The most common tree selected was a 6-7 ft. Virginia Pine and selection time ranged from 5-30 minutes. Compared to an artificial tree, respondents cited messiness, difficulty to carry and trouble to remove as major drawbacks of choose-and-cut Christmas trees. This was particularly evident in female and elderly respondents.

Bionomics of the pine needle scale (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), an emerging pest in Christmas tree (Pinaceae) plantations in southern Québec, Canada

2018 ◽  
Vol 150 (5) ◽  
pp. 632-636 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Frdéric Guay ◽  
Amy Bernier-Desmarais ◽  
Jean-François Doherty ◽  
Conrad Cloutier
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Scale Insects ◽  
Tree Plantations ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Pine Needle ◽  
Abies Fraseri ◽  
Fraser Fir ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
Significant Damage ◽  
The Status

AbstractThe pine needle scale, Chionaspis pinifoliae (Fitch) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), has the status of an emerging pest in Christmas tree (Pinaceae) plantations in Québec, Canada. The scale is not known to cause any significant damage yet and is not generally monitored by growers. However, it can be an obstacle for exportation to Christmas tree markets where scale insects are strictly regulated. In this study, we describe its life cycle in Christmas tree plantations in southern Québec. We confirm the presence of both parthenogenetic and sexual forms of the scale on Fraser fir Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poiret (Pinaceae) grown as Christmas trees, and of parasitoid and Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) specialists that could contribute to its control.

Incidence of Monochamus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) species in Nova Scotia, Canada Christmas tree plantations and comparison of panel traps and lures from North America and Europe

2016 ◽  
Vol 149 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.E. Blatt ◽  
C. Bishop ◽  
J. Sweeney
Keyword(s):  
Nova Scotia ◽  
North America ◽  
North American ◽  
Bursaphelenchus Xylophilus ◽  
Tree Plantations ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Pinewood Nematode ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
Trap Catches

AbstractChristmas trees from Nova Scotia, Canada are banned from import into the European Union (EU) because they may be infected with the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer) Nickle (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchidae). Monochamus Dejean (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) species known to vector pinewood nematode are present in Nova Scotia but their abundance in Christmas tree plantations and surrounding stands has not been assessed. We conducted trapping surveys and experiments in 2014 and 2015 to determine the species of Monochamus and their relative abundance in Nova Scotia Christmas tree plantations and the surrounding forests. We also compared commercially available traps and lures from Europe (cross-vane traps, Galloprotect lure=monochamol+ipsenol+α-pinene+2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol) and North America (intercept panel traps, North American lure=monochamol+ipsenol+α-pinene+ethanol) for their efficacy at catching Monochamus species in a 2×2 factorial experiment. We captured three Monochamus species (M. scutellatus (Say), M. notatus (Drury), and M. marmorator Kirby) in Nova Scotia Christmas tree plantations. Mean trap catches were greater within the plantations than in the surrounding forests. North American panel traps coated with Fluon® and baited with the European lure caught the most M. notatus and M. scutellatus and would be most suitable for survey and monitoring.

scholarly journals Christmas Tree Consumption Behavior: Natural vs. Artificial

1989 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cathy Ann Hamlett ◽  
Robert O. Herrmann ◽  
Rex H. Warland ◽  
Fengkun Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Market Share ◽  
Probit Model ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Consumption Behavior ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
The People ◽  
At Home

Artificial Christmas trees have gained an increasing market share, causing concern to natural Christmas tree producers. Primary data was used to test a hypothesized sequential probit model of buyer characteristics. The model predicted the probability of using or displaying a Christmas tree, then if a use decision was made, the probability of displaying a natural tree. The people who are likely to display trees are Christian, practice other secular Christmas rituals, have children, and spend Christmas at home. Those who use natural trees are younger, white, have a higher income, and live in a single-family dwelling.

Pediatric Ingestions of Christmas Past, Present, and Future: A Review of Holiday Trends, 1997 to 2015

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 571-577
Author(s):  
Patrick T. Reeves ◽  
Jayasree Krishnamurthy ◽  
Eric A. Pasman ◽  
Cade M. Nylund
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Foreign Body ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Injury Surveillance System ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
System Data ◽  
Frequent Reason

During the observance of Christmas, many families display decorations, which increases the risk of unfettered access and subsequent ingestion of small objects by children in the home. Our aim was to characterize the epidemiology of Christmas foreign body ingestion (CFBI) by children. National Electronic Injury Surveillance System data from 1997 to 2015 were obtained for children aged 0 to 17 years who presented to United States Emergency Departments matching “ingested” for “artificial Christmas trees”; “Christmas tree lights”; “Christmas tree stands or supports”; “Christmas decorations, nonelectric”; and “Christmas decorations, electric” (excluding tree lights). An estimated 22 224 children (95% confidence Interval = 18 107-26 340) presented to the emergency department for CFBI over the study period. Children aged 2 years and younger ingested Christmas objects most frequently ( P < .001). CFBI visits demonstrated a seasonal trend ( P < .001). Christmas decoration ingestions are a frequent reason for children to present to the ED, which require dedicated awareness for appropriate diagnosis and care.

scholarly journals Temperature-manipulated dynamics and phenology ofMindarus abietinus(Hemiptera: Aphididae) in commercial Christmas tree plantations in Québec, Canada

2017 ◽  
Vol 149 (6) ◽  
pp. 801-812 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-François Doherty ◽  
Jean-Frédéric Guay ◽  
Conrad Cloutier
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Colony Growth ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Tree Plantations ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
Size Growth ◽  
Major Pest ◽  
Potential Damage

AbstractThe balsam twig aphidMindarus abietinusKoch (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a major pest of economic importance for the Christmas tree industry. Global warming during the 21st century could potentially increase local population densities and reinforce the pest status of this aphid in commercial fir (AbiesMiller; Pinaceae) plantations in Québec, Canada. During this study, we tested the effects of a warmer environment on colony growth rates ofM. abietinusand aphid morph composition during the second generation of its cycle, which is key to colony size growth and potential damage to Christmas trees. We monitoredM. abietinuspopulations on two host fir species and one host fir variety, in order to understand the early season dynamics of this aphid and its host tree. It was possible to distinguish the two overlapping generations of winged aphids leaving colonies, which led to observing a much higher proportion of wingless daughters, produced by the stem mother, than what had previously been reported. Colony growth rates were significantly higher in a warmer environment than in the nearby plantation, suggesting that warmer temperatures in late spring and early summer may provide the suitable conditions required forM. abietinuscolonies of greater density.

Effects of Azoxystrobin Application Rate and Treatment Interval on the Control of Rhabdocline pseudotsugae on Douglas-fir Christmas Trees

2005 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Ricky M. Bates ◽  
David A. Despot
Keyword(s):  
Control Program ◽  
Application Rate ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Disease Index ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Infection Period ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Tree Production

Rhabdocline needlecast caused by Rhabdocline pseudotsugae is the primary disease limiting Douglas-fir Christmas tree production in the northeastern United States. Azoxystrobin (Quadris) was recently registered for control of needlecasts on conifers, but little is known about its efficacy. In 2002, azoxystrobin was applied to field-grown Lincoln N.F. Douglas-fir Christmas trees at 0.14 or 0.28 g a.i./liter as the first or second spray of a chlorothalonil-based control program. In 2003, four sequential sprays of azoxystrobin at 0.28, 0.55, and 1.10 g a.i./liter were compared to chlorothalonil treatments. Untreated trees at both Pennsylvania test sites in both years were heavily infected, confirming high inoculum levels and environmental conditions favorable for infection. The standard program that consisted of 1.29 g a.i./liter chlorothalonil applications was very effective in controlling Rhabdocline in all experiments. In 2002, application interval had a significant effect on efficacy. Trees sprayed with 0.14 and 0.28 g a.i./liter azoxystrobin 9 days prior to an infection period had a higher disease index rating than those sprayed 2 days prior to the same infection period. Application rate did not appear to have an effect on efficacy. Trees receiving 1.10 g a.i./liter azoxystrobin had the same disease index rating as trees receiving the 0.28 g a.i./liter rate. In all cases, azoxystrobin treatments had significantly higher infection rates than the standard chlorothalonil treatment. The level of natural inoculum present at each site also appeared to play a role in azoxystrobin efficacy. Azoxystrobin is more than twice the cost of chlorothalonil and the data presented does not support any cost incentive for its inclusion in a Rhabdocline control program. Accepted for publication 19 May 2005. Published 17 June 2005.

The Christmas tree project: comparing the effects of five treatments on the health of cut Christmas trees (Pinus radiata, Pinaceae)

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olyvea Akres ◽  
Isabella Cavallaro ◽  
Cynthia Cheng ◽  
Madison Dixon ◽  
Darcy Goddard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Radiata ◽  
Water Loss ◽  
Energy Drink ◽  
Light Energy ◽  
Chemical Energy ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Water Control ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
And Control ◽  
Boiled Water

Our experiment tested which of five treatments kept Christmas trees (Pinus radiata) healthy for longest. The five different treatments were submerging the cut ends of pine branches in water (control), freshly boiled water (to potentially dissolve sap in cut stems), energy drink (to provide sugars), beer (to provide sugars and kill germs) or spraying the needles with hairspray (to reduce water loss). We measured how much light energy was converted to chemical energy by the needles, thus recording their health. The treatment that maintained the highest level of photosynthetic health was the hairspray, with an average of 90% of original needle health after 27 days. Branches in freshly boiled water and control treatments both retained ~68% of their original photosynthetic health. Branches in both beer and energy-drink treatments declined to about a third of their original needle health. In conclusion, we recommend spraying cut Pinus radiata Christmas trees with hairspray.

Eating quality standards for apples based on consumer preferences

2008 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Roger Harker ◽  
Eugene M. Kupferman ◽  
Anna B. Marin ◽  
F. Anne Gunson ◽  
Christopher M. Triggs
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Quality Standards ◽  
Eating Quality

scholarly journals Douglas Fir Seed Sources Tested for Christmas Trees in Connecticut

1984 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 93-97
Author(s):  
R.A. Jaynes ◽  
G.R. Stephens ◽  
J.F. Ahrens
Keyword(s):  
New Mexico ◽  
Pseudotsuga Menziesii ◽  
Rocky Mountain ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Seed Sources ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
Adelges Cooleyi ◽  
Geographic Sources ◽  
Southern Rocky Mountain

Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga Menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, is a popular Christmas tree in the Northeast. In 1976 trees from 11 geographic sources ranging from British Columbia to southern Arizona and New Mexico were planted in a replicated design and managed as a commercial plantation. Information was also obtained on 10 seed sources grown on a commercial tree farm. All sources were hardy in the Connecticut plantings. In general, trees from southern Rocky Mountain sources were bluer, and grew faster than those from northern sources, but they were also more susceptible to attack by Cooley gall aphid, Adelges cooleyi (Gill), and rhabdocline needle cast fungus, Rhabdocline pseudotsugae (Syd.)

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