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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and Wild Grape (Vitisspp.) Control in Fraser Fir

2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 184-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Richardson ◽  
Michael W. Marshall ◽  
Robert E. Uhlig ◽  
Bernard H. Zandstra
Keyword(s):  
Field Studies ◽  
Tree Plantations ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Effective Management ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Fraser Fir ◽  
Wild Grape ◽  
Herbicide Treatments ◽  
Parthenocissus Quinquefolia ◽  
Christmas Tree Species

Virginia creeper and wild grape are troublesome perennial vines that often infest Christmas tree plantations. Field studies were conducted to evaluate Fraser fir injury and Virginia creeper and wild grape control with directed applications of triclopyr (1,680 g ai/ha) alone and in combination with 2,4-D (1,120 g ai/ha), clopyralid (280 g ai/ha), and halosulfuron (36 g ai/ha). Additional treatments included 2,4-D, clopyralid, glyphosate (1,120 g ai/ha), halosulfuron, hexazinone (560 g ai/ha), mesotrione (105 g ai/ha), and sulfometuron (71 g ai/ha) applied alone; and a mixture of hexazinone plus mesotrione. In the triclopyr-containing treatments, Fraser fir injury ranged from 6 to 13% at 1 mo after treatment (MAT) and was 4 to 8% at 11 MAT. Leader growth was not impacted by the herbicide treatments. At 11 MAT, all triclopyr-containing treatments controlled Virginia creeper 93 to 98% and wild grape 98 to 100%, which was greater than the control observed with glyphosate at 63 and 59%, respectively. Virginia creeper and wild grape control with 2,4-D was 88 to 90%. Clopyralid, halosulfuron, hexazinone, hexazinone plus mesotrione, mesotrione, and sulfometuron provided less than 66% control of both perennial vines. Directed applications of triclopyr-containing treatments or 2,4-D were effective management tools for selective removal of wild grape and Virginia creeper from Fraser fir Christmas tree plantations. Additional research is needed on the potential sensitivity of other commonly grown Christmas tree species to triclopyr-containing treatments.

scholarly journals Design and Implementation of a Soil Matric Potential-based Automated Irrigation System for Drip Irrigating Fraser Fir

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 1030-1036
Author(s):  
Pascal Nzokou ◽  
Nicholas J. Gooch ◽  
Bert M. Cregg
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Irrigation System ◽  
Tree Plantations ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Operational Flexibility ◽  
Matric Potential ◽  
Similar System ◽  
Fraser Fir ◽  
Natural Range ◽  
Automated Irrigation System

Irrigation of fraser fir (Abies fraseri) in Christmas tree production is gaining importance in the upper midwestern United States because of the intensive planting of this species out of its natural range. However, current scheduling practices rely on empirical observations with no monitoring of soil moisture and no use of automated irrigation system. The goal of this project was to design, construct, and implement a tensiometer-based automated irrigation system for fraser fir Christmas tree plantations that would (1) use existing technologies, (2) apply water based on changes in soil moisture content, (3) provide operational flexibility, and (4) interface with a computer for system changes, data collection, and system modifications. Soil tensiometers equipped with 4- to 20-milliampere transducers were installed at two drip-irrigated tree farms. Water on demand was controlled by soil moisture tension levels that triggered the stimulation of a relay wired to solenoids delivering irrigation water to the various treatments. The system functioned according to the design as expected. However, several issues associated with the need for regular maintenance of tensiometers, computer programming, and system wiring created some challenges regarding the reliability and transferability of similar system to commercial facilities.

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