scholarly journals Effect of Two Fire Retardants on Postharvest Drying and Flammability of Douglas Fir and Fraser Fir Christmas Trees

HortScience ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 203-205
Author(s):  
Gary Chastagner ◽  
L. Eric Hinesley ◽  
Jeff Owen
Keyword(s):  
Pseudotsuga Menziesii ◽  
Flame Retardants ◽  
Fire Hazard ◽  
Fire Retardant ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Drying Rate ◽  
Abies Fraseri ◽  
Fraser Fir ◽  
Christmas Trees

SafeTree Christmas Tree Fire Retardant was applied to freshly harvested Douglas fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] boughs, and RapidCool FRX Christmas Tree Retardant was applied to freshly cut Fraser fir [Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.] boughs. The flame retardants were sprayed onto the foliage. Fire retardant accelerated the drying rate of Douglas fir boughs, which increased flammability. RapidCool fire retardant did not slow the drying rate of Fraser fir boughs, and had no effect on moisture content (MC) at ignition, flame time, total burn time, or total foliage consumed. For both species, initial ignition and spread of flame occurred at 60% to 70% MC. Fresh boughs did not ignite in burn tests and were not a fire hazard. Twig MC of nontreated Fraser fir increased 20% during display in water, further decreasing the possibility of ignition when exposed to a flame. Neither product was effective as a fire retardant on boughs of Christmas trees.

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.

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.)

scholarly journals Phytophthora abietivora, A New Species Isolated from Diseased Christmas Trees in Connecticut, U.S.A.

Plant Disease ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 103 (12) ◽  
pp. 3057-3064 ◽  
Author(s):  
De-Wei Li ◽  
Neil P. Schultes ◽  
James A. LaMondia ◽  
Richard S. Cowles
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Root Rot ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Abies Fraseri ◽  
Fraser Fir ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
The World ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic ◽  
A New Species

A number of fir species (Abies) are produced as Christmas trees around the world. In particular, Fraser fir (Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.) is popular as it yields high-quality Christmas trees in temperate North America and Europe. A Phytophthora sp. causing root rot on Fraser fir was isolated from a Christmas tree farm in Connecticut, U.S.A., and found to be new to science according to morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis using multilocus DNA sequences from ITS, Cox1, β-Tub, Nadh1, and Hsp90 loci. Thus, it was described and illustrated as Phytophthora abietivora. An informative Koch’s postulates test revealed that P. abietivora was the pathogen causing root rot of Fraser fir.

scholarly journals Relationship of U.S. Department of Agriculture Grades to the Value of Fraser Fir Christmas Trees

HortScience ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 369-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger J. Arnold ◽  
J.B. Jett ◽  
William T. Huxster
Keyword(s):  
Quality Index ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Eastern United States ◽  
Department Of Agriculture ◽  
Abies Fraseri ◽  
Fraser Fir ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
Quality Certification ◽  
Tree Quality ◽  
Relationship Of

Wholesale values, retail values of five eastern United States lots, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Christmas-tree grades, and measurements of various growth and quality traits were obtained on ≥1400 Fraser fir [Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.] (8 years old) Christmas trees. Retail lot values were similar, but average retail value correlated poorly with wholesale value within merchandising height classes. For each of the current wholesale categories (defined by the combination of 30.5-cm interval height classes and USDA grades), average values ranged widely. Some cull-grade trees, which would be unmerchantable according to USDA standards, had moderate retail value. Also, the retail mean of any one wholesale category generally was not significantly different from that of adjacent categories. Some tree quality defects that have equal impact on USDA grade, and consequently wholesale value, differed widely in their effect on retail values. This study indicates that current USDA Christmas-tree grade standards do not adequately differentiate Fraser fir trees with respect to their retail value. We propose a new method of Christmas-tree quality certification that involves computed Christmas-tree quality index values that offer greater accuracy in describing quality with respect to retail value.

scholarly journals Optimal Nutrition and Diagnosis for Abies fraseri Christmas Trees in Michigan

2006 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
David E. Rothstein ◽  
Nicholas J. Lisuzzo
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Foliar Nutrition ◽  
Abies Fraseri ◽  
Fraser Fir ◽  
Tree Nutrition ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
Southeastern Us ◽  
Nutrition Research ◽  
Tree Performance

Abstract Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) is a species with a highly restricted native range that is now planted widely for Christmas tree production throughout the eastern US. The southeastern US has a long history of research on nutritional demands of Fraser fir, but growers in the Upper Midwest have limited locally based nutrition research on which to draw. A survey of foliar nutrition and soil properties in Fraser fir Christmas tree plantations throughout the state of Michigan was conducted to accomplish the following objectives: 1) identify relationships between tree nutrition and tree performance, 2) identify relationship between soil properties and tree nutrition, and 3) develop Diagnosis and Recommendation Integration System (DRIS) norms for Fraser fir Christmas trees in Michigan. Foliar N, P, and K levels were all positively associated with tree performance. In contrast, Ca, Mg, and Fe levels in foliage were negatively associated with tree quality. DRIS analysis indicated nutrient imbalances resulting from excess Ca, Mg, and Fe in comparison to N, P, K, and S. High pH and base saturation of young, calcareous soils of Michigan appear to be the most important site factor limiting the production of Fraser fir in Michigan.

Observations on Laspeyresia fletcherana (Kearfott) (Lepidoptera: Olethreutidae) in Montana

1962 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert E. Denton ◽  
Harold R. Dodge
Keyword(s):  
Pseudotsuga Menziesii ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Site Conditions ◽  
Forest Insect ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
Poor Site

In November 1958 a Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco) Christmas tree was received at the Missoula Forest Insect Laboratory with a note that it was infested with an insect that might be causing “Christmas-tree blight.” This term is commonly used by the trade to refer to any condition of foliage that might affect salability or price of Christmas trees. Several types of foliage-feeding insects, as well as fungi or poor site conditions, may cause “blighted” or discolored needles; however, on this tree the infestation proved to be caterpillars tunneling in the bark.

scholarly journals Recent results of Czech-American fir hybridization research

2013 ◽  
Vol 59 (No. 2) ◽  
pp. 64-71
Author(s):  
J. Kobliha ◽  
J. Stejskal ◽  
P. Škorpík ◽  
J. Frampton
Keyword(s):  
Phytophthora Cinnamomi ◽  
Tree Plantations ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Abies Fraseri ◽  
Fraser Fir ◽  
Abies Cephalonica ◽  
Basic Parameters ◽  
Viable Seeds ◽  
The Individual

Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) Christmas tree plantations in North Carolina are infested by root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi. This disease kills almost 100% of Fraser fir material and leaves the soil permanently infested. Control crossings of Mediterranean fir hybrids Abies cilicica × Abies cephalonica with Abies fraseri were performed to ensure possibly resistant hybrid material of desired Christmas tree parameters. Pollen of various clones of A. fraseri was shipped to the Czech Republic by NCSU. Control pollinations were performed in April/May 2010 and 2011 in our hybridization seed orchards. Female strobili were isolated in the period of their highest receptibility. Cones were collected during September. Cones were dried and completely disintegrated. Basic parameters of cones and seeds were assessed for each seed lot. Seed samples of the individual seed lots were X-rayed for assessment of the final share of full seeds. In 2010, the most successful combination CZ2 × NC81 brought 7% of viable seeds. In 2011 the most successful combination was CZ2 × NC26 with 18% of viable seeds.

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.

scholarly journals Shearing Date Affects Growth and Quality of Fraser Fir Christmas Trees

HortScience ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 1020-1024 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Eric Hinesley ◽  
Scott A. Derby
Keyword(s):  
Tree Growth ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Proximal Portion ◽  
Abies Fraseri ◽  
Fraser Fir ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
Future Leaders ◽  
Total Tree

Fraser fir [Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.] Christmas trees were sheared once annually over 4 years on dates ranging from July to March. Shearing reduced total tree growth. Trees sheared in July and August had the highest quality and retail value. Early shearing (July and August) yielded fewer leaders, longer leaders, and 35% to 66% more internodal branches on the leader, compared to later shearing (September through March). Early shearing also yielded more second-order laterals, followed by greater elongation of those laterals. Shearing late into the fall yielded progressively fewer branches, with the minimum in October. Shearing in March gave a little better results than October, but neither date was as good as July or August. In one experiment, two types of residual tip buds (bubble and whisker) were compared as future leaders. Differences in length and straightness of leaders derived from whisker and bubble buds were considered negligible in commercial shearing practice. The ratio of adaxial and abaxial buds on the proximal portion of the leader was about 1:1, and showed little change with shearing date. Distance from the base of the leader to the first abaxial branch also showed little variation among shearing dates.

scholarly journals Naphthaleneacetic Acid Reduces Leader Growth of Fraser Fir Christmas Trees

HortScience ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 345-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Elizabeth Rutledge ◽  
John Frampton ◽  
Gary Blank ◽  
L. Eric Hinesley
Keyword(s):  
Commercial Product ◽  
Naphthaleneacetic Acid ◽  
Abies Fraseri ◽  
Fraser Fir ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
Methods Of Application

Two methods of application, the Danish Easy Roller and the German Sprühsystem, were tested to evaluate the effectiveness of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at reducing leader growth (tips of primary axes) of fraser fir [Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.] Christmas trees. A commercial product, Sucker-Stopper RTU (1.15% ethyl 1-NAA), was applied to leaders at concentrations of 0 to 500 mL·L−1 when leaders were 8 to 15 cm long. As the concentration increased, leader elongation decreased. The Easy Roller reduced leader growth the most, but leader mortality was unacceptable at concentrations 20 mL·L−1 or greater. Although less effective than the Easy Roller, the Sprühsystem caused negligible mortality of leaders. Applying 40 mL·L−1 with the Easy Roller yielded ≈50% of leaders with target lengths of 20 to 36 cm with little mortality. The Sprühsystem gave similar results at 250 mL·L−1. NAA might be useful for producing dense trees with minimal shearing or for producing more natural, open trees during shorter rotations.

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