Effectiveness of Three Methods of Removing Stumps to Control Annosus Root Rot in Christmas Tree Plantations

Project Overview

FW04-026
Project Type: Farmer/Rancher
Funds awarded in 2004: $5,130.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2006
Region: Western
State: Oregon
Principal Investigator:
Jim Puffer
Email
Yule Tree Farms

Commodities

  • Additional Plants: trees, ornamentals

Practices

  • Crop Production: forestry, relay cropping
  • Education and Training: demonstration, extension, farmer to farmer, on-farm/ranch research
  • Farm Business Management: feasibility study, agricultural finance
  • Pest Management: biological control, integrated pest management, physical control
  • Sustainable Communities: public participation, social networks, sustainability measures

    Proposal summary:

    Annosus root rot is threatening the sustained production of Noble Fir Christmas trees in the Pacific Northwest, reducing yields by as much as 40% on second and third Noble Fir rotations. Removing stumps and roots of harvested trees can halt the disease cycle because the pathogen cannot survive without the woody host. Jim Puffer of Yule Tree Farms will use his Western SARE grant to compare the traditional excavation method for removing stumps and roots with two different types of stump grinding. The information will allow Christmas tree producers to make educated decisions on which method of removal works best for their farms and potentially provide them with integrated, biological approaches to sustain production of Noble Fir Christmas trees.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.