The Real Christmas Tree Board

Request for Proposals 

The Real Christmas Tree Board (RCTB), also known as the Christmas Tree Promotion Board, is focused on improving the future of the industry by increasing the value and demand for cut Christmas trees through promotion, research and education. The RCTB is a national research and promotion program supported by production assessments from both domestic and imported Christmas trees with oversight by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The purpose of the Real Christmas Tree Board Competitive Research Grant Program is to establish and conduct research with respect to the image, desirability, use, marketability, quality, product development or production of Christmas trees; to the end that the marketing and use of Christmas trees may be encouraged, expanded, improved, or made more acceptable and to advance the image, desirability, or quality of Christmas trees.

Research means any type of test, systematic study, investigation, analysis and/or evaluation designed to advance the image, desirability, use, marketability, quality, product development, or production of Christmas trees, including but not limited to research related to cost of production, market development, testing the effectiveness of market development and promotional efforts, new species of Christmas trees and environmental issues relating to the Christmas tree industry.

Please note that all deadlines and funding are contingent upon the annual approval of the RCTB budget and continuation of the RCTB based on future referendum results. Grant requests typically range from $10,000 to $50,000, the amount of funds available for a particular proposal will depend on the number and merit of successful proposals. The funding cycle runs from August 1, through July 31. No-cost extensions are available upon request and after filing the required annual progress report. Multiyear projects will be considered with the understanding that funding for subsequent years would be contingent on performance and RCTB budget availability.

Keep in mind; emergency project funding may be available at any time if an unexpected need arises in your area.

Priorities set for this grant cycle funding include but are not exclusive to:
● Genetic Improvement – All species, all growing regions
● Environmental and Socio-Economic Benefit of Real Trees – Carbon sequestration capabilities, green space, sustainability
● Insect/Pest Management – insects impacting Christmas tree survivability and quality, wildlife damage, herbicide resistant weeds,
● Improved technology – labor reduction, safety, cost benefit, quality of end product (baling materials, baler pulling devices, shaking, needle loss)
● Disease Management/Resistance

Please email [email protected] for additional information or questions.

The CTPB is governed by the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7411-7425) and the Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order (7 CFR 1214), which requires all non-proprietary information collected as part of the project will be owned, or jointly owned, by the Christmas Tree Promotion Board (the “CTPB” or the “Board”) subject to the contract provisions below:

Copyright, Patent and Licensing Agreement Provisions

a. The parties agree that information processes or inventions which could be protected by patents or copyrights may be developed as a result of the Project which is the subject of this Agreement.

b. Any inventions, whether or not patentable, copyrights, information, patents, product formulations, processes, or trademarks developed or conceived by Contracted Party within the scope of the work set forth in the contract (collectively, “Intellectual Property”) shall belong jointly to CTPB and to Contracted Party. Contracted Party shall promptly notify CTPB in writing of any such inventions and will cooperate with CTPB in filing of any patent applications. Neither CTPB nor Contracted Party shall sell, license, or otherwise transfer any Intellectual Property developed with the scope of work set forth in the contract without the prior written consent of the other and such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any proceeds from the sale, licensing, or transfer of the Intellectual Property shall belong jointly to CTPB and to Contracted Party pursuant to 7 CFR Part 1214.62 Christmas Tree Promotion, Research and Information Order. All Intellectual Property conceived by Contracted Party outside the scope of the work set forth in the contract shall be and remain the property of the Contracted Party.

 

Webinars

The Real Christmas Tree Board and MSU Extension partnered to host a quarterly webinar series from Fall 2023 to Summer 2024. The four webinars focused on funded research topics from the Real Christmas Tree Board. The topics included: communication as a representative of the Christmas tree industry, Elongated Hemlock Scale management, Christmas tree genome project and weed control.

See our webinars here.

 

Seedling and Transplant Survey Results 

CTPB Seedling and Transplant Survey Results 2022

CTPB Seedling and Transplant Survey Results 2021

CTPB Seedling and Transplant Final Report 2020

 

Research Topic Survey for Christmas Tree Growers – Now Available!

The Real Christmas Tree Board is responsible for utilizing checkoff funds to promote real Christmas trees, and to support scientific, unbiased research improving Christmas tree production. We invite you to complete our short voluntary survey developed to gather input from Christmas tree producers about insect, disease, and other issues that impact your ability to grow high-quality Christmas trees. The information collected by this survey will be used to direct the focus of research grant proposal requests and approvals. Please take the time to complete this survey.

Printed Survey Link: 2025-Research-Topic-Survey

email to [email protected]

or by mail to:

Cyndi Knudson
Real Christmas Tree Board, Director of Research
2136 Brush Hill Lane
Virginia Beach, VA 23456

 

Christmas Tree Research Projects Funded by the CTPB – FY 2024-2025

Effectiveness of fungicides in reducing Phytophthora root rot losses in Christmas tree Plantations – Washington State University; Dr. Gary Chastagner and Dr. Marianne Elliot

Managing Phytophthora root rot (PRR) in noble and Fraser fir plantations is a significant challenge for U.S. Christmas tree growers. In the Pacific Northwest, PRR frequency and mortality of mature trees have increased due to changing precipitation patterns and shifts in Phytophthora species. Disease development is now observed beyond low-lying, waterlogged areas. Cultural methods such as site selection, improving soil drainage, and planting resistant species help manage PRR, but chemical fungicides offer another potential solution. However, there is limited research on fungicides’ efficacy and residual activity in conifers.

Since 2003, the IR-4 Program has tested 74 products against 11 Phytophthora species on various horticultural crops, identifying several highly effective fungicides. Washington State University (WSU) aims to evaluate these top-performing fungicides for their effectiveness in protecting noble and Fraser fir seedlings from PRR and reducing disease severity in infected plants.

WSU will conduct field trials using mini rice paddy plots at WSU Puyallup infested with isolates of four Phytophthora species, including P. cinnamomi recovered from PNW Christmas trees to optimize disease development. These trials will assess fungicides with different modes of action. The objectives include evaluating root dips versus soil drenches and foliar applications, comparing spring and fall applications, and testing post-infection treatments. Residual activity will be measured to determine how long treatments remain effective.
Results will be shared with growers through publications and webinars, providing critical data on the efficacy and optimal timing of fungicide treatments for managing PRR in Christmas tree plantations.

Bioassays to test pre- and post-harvest chemistry to prevent needle loss – Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station – Dr. Rich Cowles

Ethylene gas is a key signaling molecule that leads to needle loss in true fir Christmas trees. Stress arising from the trauma of cutting the tree or drying may result in generation of ethylene, which then signals enzymes involved in degrading plant tissues at the abscission layer. Products used to manipulate ethylene production and response to ethylene are known and some are available as products to enhance fruit thinning or as floral preservatives, respectively. Previous work has suggested that 1-methylcyclopropene, which blocks the ethylene receptor and is used to preserve cut flowers, could be useful for treating Christmas trees. However, processing large numbers of trees through fumigation chambers would be operationally difficult. This project has revealed that several active ingredients can delay and reduce needle abscission, including a foliar spray with a synthetic auxin applied prior to harvesting fir shoots and materials added while shoots are displayed. The registrant of one synthetic auxin, triclopyr, is agreeable to expand product labeling to include a preharvest spray. The collaboration with the balsam fir breeding program in Nova Scotia evaluated cut branches from trees representing the spectrum of the genetic propensity to shed needles. Our experiment revealed that selection of trees for breeding programs should include evaluations of needle retention both before and after cold hardening, as the rank order trees with respect to needle retention can change following cold acclimatization, and only trees performing well under both conditions should be used in breeding programs.

Managing cone formation in Abies Christmas tree species – Michigan State University – Dr. Bert Cregg

In this project, Dr. Bert Cregg (Michigan State University Department of Horticulture and Department of Forestry) and his team will evaluate Fraser fir progeny from the MSU Reduced Coning Seed Orchard. Fraser fir trees frequently produce copious quantities of cones in Christmas tree plantations, resulting in significant costs to growers for cone removal. Genetic selection for reduced coning offers the best long-term solution for growers. Presently, MSU personnel are managing three cohorts of progeny from seed collected from the seed orchard in
2017, 2019, and 2021. Progeny from four families produced from seed from the 2017 cohort and a check lot of the same age are currently in production in #7 and #20 containers at the MSU Pot-in-Pot research nursery. A subset of trees from each genotype will be subjected to two watering regimes and then evaluated for coning (cones per tree; proportion of trees with cones). Approximately 800 progeny (12 families and a check lot) from the 2019 seed collection were lifted as 2 + 2 transplants this spring. Half of the progeny were planted in #3 container
and half were installed in a field trial at the MSU Horticulture Teaching and Research Center. Approximately 3,000 progeny from the 2021 seed collection were lifted as 2-0 seedlings and planted in transplant beds at a cooperating nursery (Peterson’s Riverview Nursery, Allegan, MI).

Improving Christmas tree plantation establishment: Impacts of seedling quality and preplant Treatments – Michigan State University – Dr. Bert Cregg

Mortality of seedlings and transplants is a major concern when establishing conifers for Christmas tree production. Seedlings or transplants that die after planting are a direct loss to growers and result in additional costs to replant. Poor seedling or transplant establishment also results in reduced tree growth and reduced plantation uniformity, further adding to grower costs. In this project, Michigan State University (P.I. Bert Cregg, Department of Horticulture and Department of Forestry) will establish field plots with cooperating nurseries to investigate two approaches to improving plantation establishment: managing seedling quality and cultural
treatments at planting. We will work with a cooperating nursery (Northern Pines Nursery, Lake City, MI) to produce seedlings with a range of quality attributes (foliar N concentration, root: shoot ratio, sturdiness index (caliper/height) and will track survival and growth of the seedlings after out-planting. We will also work with cooperating Christmas tree growers to investigate the effects of treatments after planting (e.g., mulch, compost, biochar, shade blocks) on growth and survival of Fraser fir and Canaan fir seedlings. Funds are requested to provide partial support for a professional research assistant, undergraduate labor, and travel.

Evaluating New Herbicides to Manage Resistant Weeds in Christmas Trees – Oregon State University – Dr. Marcelo Moretti

This proposal aims to expand evaluations of chemical weed control in Christmas trees by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University. In previous studies, we assessed the effectiveness of tiafenacil and florpyrauxifen-benzyl. Both herbicides demonstrated promising results in managing troublesome weeds in Christmas tree plantations, but further investigation is needed to verify their safety and efficacy during the growing season. Tiafenacil, a foliaractive Group 14 herbicide, was consistently safe for Christmas trees across all studies.
However, none of the trials examined its impact on non-dormant trees with foliage exposed to the herbicide. Additionally, combining tiafenacil with other postemergence herbicides could enhance weed control on Christmas tree farms. We will initiate the evaluations of two new herbicide commercial mixtures for testing: nicosulfuron plus tolpyralate (Katagon) and florasulam plus halauxifen-methyl (Quelex). Chemical weed control plays a crucial role in the quality of commercially produced Christmas trees.

In contrast to tiafenacil, florpyrauxifen-benzyl proved safe for Christmas trees only when direct contact with foliage was avoided. This work will test the possibility that treatment with florpyrauxifen-benzyl applied in early winter may not harm dormant Christmas trees. Previous research has indicated that florpyrauxifen-benzyl is effective when mixed with glyphosate, highlighting its role as part of an integrated strategy for managing herbicide-resistant weeds. This proposal seeks to evaluate tiafenacil and florpyrauxifen-benzyl in Christmas trees further, and initiate the evaluation of two additional herbicide mixtures: nicosulfuron plus tolpyralate and haluxifen-methul plus florasulam. The research will be conducted at OSU’s research farm and in local Christmas tree producers. Results will be shared at local and regional meetings to promote optimal use of registered herbicides and to explore new products. Ultimately, this project aims to support future herbicide registrations tailored to the needs of the Christmas tree industry in Oregon.

CoFirGE Part II: Establishment and Early Characteristics of Indiana and Pennsylvania Sites- Pennsylvania State University – Dr. Ricky Bates

Diseases, pests, and adaptability to regional environmental conditions can limit where Christmas tree growers can produce certain types of Christmas trees. For example, Phytophthora root rot limits were consumer-desirable species such as Fraser and noble fir can be grown. A number of these problems are related to site conditions, such as poor drainage, elevation, late spring frost, etc., which are major issues for growers that often have a limited land base on which they grow their crop. To address sustainability issues and remain competitive, industry leaders have indicated that the identification of disease and pest resistant sources of trees with superior growth and postharvest characteris8cs that are adapted to regional production conditions is a top research priority.

The Collaborative Fir Germplasm Evaluation II (CoFirGE II) project was initiated to identify elite Trojan and Nordmann firs that produce excellent Christmas trees, and to obtain a better understanding of how site and environmental conditions are affecting the growth and postharvest quality of Trojan and Nordmann firs. The experiment is a collaboration between universities and Christmas tree associations in Connecticut, Oregon, Washington, Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, and Indiana. Funding has been provided through the Real Christmas Tree Board for the original CoFirGE project beginning in 2019. This project seeks to develop the
next stage of the CoFirGE II project by evaluating the establishment and growth characteristics of the CoFirGE II sites in Indiana and Pennsylvania. This project will provide U.S. Christmas tree growers important information regarding the heat and cold tolerance of Nordmann fir and Trojan fir planted in the Midwest. Additional data will be collected on key characteristics such as bud break sequence and needle retention. This project also assists U.S. Christmas tree growers by diversifying tree species options. Potential environmental benefits include reductions in industry-wide pesticide use, improved tree establishment rates and greater production system resilience in the face of stresses resulting from climate change.

Evaluation of select fungicides for control of Needle Blight (Passalora sequoia) on Leyland Cypress Christmas Trees – Auburn University – Dr. Jeremy Pickens

Passalora sequoia is a major disease of Leyland cypress and other species used for southern Christmas trees. Due to the humidity and high frequency of rainfall, this blight can render a crop of trees unmarketable by just missing a few fungicide applications. Bi-weekly fungicide sprays are recommended; however, most growers can only apply monthly due to resource allocation. As many growers only have access to handgun-type sprayers, the labor to apply these expensive chemicals is a major input. Considering the expense of applications and the costs of the fungicides, it is surprising that it has been more than 20 years since an efficacy trial has been conducted. The last efficacy study that we were able to find in the literature was conducted at the University of Georgia by Dr. Williams-Woodard in 2002. This research provided an excellent resource for growers. Still, in the 22 years since this work has been done, resistance has likely developed due to lack of rotation and natural mutations of the
pathogen. Additionally, additional newer chemistries have become available that might have activity on this blight.

Is Phytopythium vexans Causing Disease in Christmas Trees? – Rutgers University – Dr. Timothy Waller

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, if awarded a grant will establish an agreement or contractual relationship with the Christmas Tree Promotion Board. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the pathogenicity of Phytopythium vexans isolates collected from symptomatic plants in New Jersey, towards commonly grown Christmas trees, including (Abies) Canaan, Fraiser, Concolor, Turkish, (Pseudotsuga) Douglas Fir, and (Picea) Colorado Blue, and Norway. The need for this project originated through sampling where Phytopythium vexans was associated with diseased plantings (particularly Canaan Fir and Douglas Fir), often initiated by flooding, yet could not be definitively linked to causation due to the lack of adequate pathogenicity studies. The project will explore the hypothesis that this pathogen can cause disease in numerous Christmas tree genera and species by completing Koch’s Postulates, thus establishing causation, and ultimately disseminating this information through peer-review publications. Samples will be collected from known infested farms, and
isolated through selective media techniques to obtain cultures. Samples will also be evaluated for cross-reactivity with commercially available immune-test strips, avoiding future misdiagnosis with Phytophthora spp. A comprehensive flood-like, zoospore-based greenhouse inoculation technique will also be a result of this study. Genetic information will be utilized to first identify Phytopythium species, then corroborate re-isolations from
inoculated and diseased plants, adding ITS1,4 and Cox1 gene information to the NCBI GenBank database. This project aims to gather baseline information on pathogenicity, flood condition inoculations (due to increasingly volatile climatic events) and lay a foundation for variety/provenance trials in the future.

 

Christmas Tree Research: A Growing Investment 

The science behind growing and caring for Christmas trees is constantly evolving. The Real Christmas Tree Board is dedicated to funding scientifically sound, unbiased research that will have far reaching impacts on the industry. Over a million dollars has been invested in a slate of research projects designed to produce high quality Christmas trees, manage ever increasing production costs, and minimize environmental impact. Listed below are projects that are complete, and ongoing, being funded by Real Christmas Tree Board Checkoff funds from 2016 to 2024.

• The Cooperative Fir Germplasm Evaluation I and II (CoFirGE) project is designed to identify regionally adapted sources of Turkish and Trojan firs that produce excellent Christmas trees, and to obtain a better understanding of how site and environmental conditions are affecting the growth and postharvest quality of Turkish and Trojan firs.
  Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Washington State University, Pennsylvania State University, Michigan State University, North Carolina State University $96,170
• Understanding the Impact of Elongate Hemlock Scale on Select Tree Species Native to Florida
  North Carolina State University $29,750
  University of Florida $5,470
• Survey of Slug Species and Development of IPM Strategies for Management of Slugs on Christmas Trees
  Oregon State University $65,000
  Washington State University $15,000
• Managing Cone Formation on Fraser Fir
  Michigan State University $166,015
• Fraser Fir Cone Control Research
  North Carolina State University $15,903
• Developing Strategies for Leader Control in Nordmann and Turkish Fir
  Oregon State University, Michigan State University $12,200
• Spray Drones to Apply Agricultural Materials to Christmas Trees
  North Carolina State University $39,600
• Post-Entry Elimination of Megastigmus Seed Larvae in Imported Conifer Seed
  Washington State University, Oregon State University $27,575
• Enhanced Establishment and Growth of Bareroot Transplants Using Controlled-Release Fertilizers
  Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station $1,000
• Management Options for Herbicide Resistant Weeds in Christmas Tree Production
  North Carolina State University $41,629
• Effectiveness of Preharvest Application of 1-MCP in Reducing Needle Loss on Cut Christmas Trees
  Washington State University $32,519
• Evaluation of Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana) Seed Sources for U.S. Christmas Tree Production Oregon State University, Washington State University, Pennsylvania State University $76,839
• Twig Weevil- A small poorly understood pest inflicting havoc in the PNW export markets
  Washington State University, Oregon State University $95,331
• Susceptibility of Trojan fir to Phytophthora Root Rot
  Washington State University $52,921
• Exploring Sustainable Management for Armored Scales in Christmas Tree Plantations
  Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station $36,528
• Investigating Soil Acidification Mechanisms for Inhibiting Phytophthora
  Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station $22,000
• Regional Variation in Needle Loss from Trees in CoFirGE Planting Sites
  Washington State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, North Carolina State University,
  Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University $30,596
• Surveying for Oregonian Slugs in Hawaii with the Goal of Removing their Quarantine Status
  Oregon State University $9,976
• Spotted Lanternfly: A New Exotic Pest Threatening the Mid-Atlantic Christmas Tree Industry
  Pennsylvania State University $4,598
• Breeding to produce the next generation of Virginia Pine for Texas/Oklahoma Markets
  Texas A & M Forest Service $14,122
• Incorporation of Soil Amendments for Managing Phytophthora Root Rot in Fraser Fir in North Carolina
  North Carolina State University $14,264
• Efficacy of ethyl formate fumigation in eradicating elongate hemlock scale on Christmas trees
  Washington State University $5,946
• Quantifying genetic variation in needle retention and timing of bud flush in Balsam Fir Christmas Trees for improved performance under climate change in the northeast
  University of New Brunswick $24,266
• Improving the viability and vigor of Nordmann and Turkish fir seeds in long-term storage
  Washington State University $33,339
• Spotted Lanternfly Training for Christmas Tree Growers
  Virginia Tech $5993
• Isolation and development of effective fungal biocontrol for elongate hemlock scale
  West Virginia University $79,583
• Effect of Growing Media Properties and Container Geometry on Fraser Fir Germination and Transplant Success
  North Carolina State University $41,331
• Viability and Vigor of Heat-Treated Nordmann and Turkish Fir Seed
  Washington State University $30,098
• Survey the Fungus Conoideocrella luteorostrata and Monitor Effectiveness as Biocontrol of Elongate Hemlock Scale
  West Virginia University $38,192
• Life Cycle Analysis to Determine Net Carbon Sequestration in Commercial Christmas Tree Production
  University of New Brunswick and Michigan State University $26,189
• Improving Management of Elongate Hemlock Scale in Fraser Fir Christmas Trees
  North Carolina State University $37,244
• Native Selections for Christmas Tree Production in the Southern Coastal Plain of the US
  Mississippi State University $26,116
• Mapping Christmas Tree Nutrition Requirements Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Multispectral Sensors
  Dalhousie University $9500
• Integrating Biological Control of Armored Scale Pests of Christmas Trees
  Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station $14,622
• Soil Chemistry and Biological Manipulation to Prevent Losses from Phytophthora Root Rot
  Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station $20,649
• Efficacy of BlueFume (HCN) Fumigation in Eradicating Elongate Hemlock Scale on Christmas Trees and Profume Fumigation for Controlling Megastigmus Larvae in Conifer Seed
  Washington State University and North Carolina State University $23,853
• Improving viability and vigor of Nordmann and Turkish fir seeds in Long-term Storage
  Washington State University $17,930
• Improving First Year Noble Fir Seedling Survival and Growth
  Oregon State University $12,917
• The Christmas Tree Genome Project to Rapidly Advance Genetic Improvement
  North Carolina State University $50,000
• Evaluation of insecticide alternatives to chlorpyrifos for needle midge management in PNW Douglas fir
  Oregon State University $11,325
• Use of Pyroligneous Acid to Improve Postharvest Needle Retention in Balsam Fir Christmas Trees
  Dalhousie University $18,098
• Christmas Tree Shopping Environments, Mental Fatigue Recovery and Shopping Preferences: A Nationwide Marketing Study
  West Virginia University $12,276
• Screening New Herbicides to Manage Herbicide Resistant Weeds in Christmas Tree
  Oregon State University $76,500
• Tree mortality; a potential climate change emerging issue in Christmas tree plantations                        Washington State University $27,000
• Unlocking novel Christmas tree pest management strategies through genomic resources development
  North Carolina State University $50,000
• Comparison of long-lasting deer repellents
  Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station $16,000
• Improving Leyland cypress (Cupressus Å~ leylandii) propagation and production strategies within the Gulf Coast
  Mississippi State University $27,939
• Improving Christmas tree plantation establishment: Impacts of seedling quality and pre-plant treatments
  Michigan State University $35,845 
• Christmas tree genetic improvement through identification of stress defense mechanisms
  University of California Davis $49,799
• Optimization of inoculation protocols to identify Abies species with resistance to Phytophthora root rot.
  Washington State University $24,373
• Effectiveness of fungicides in reducing Phytophthora root rot looses in Christmas Tree Plantations.
  Washington State University $33,455
• Bioassays to test pre- and post-harvest chemistry to prevent needle loss
  Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station $24,653
• Evaluation of Select Fungicides for Control of Needle Blight (Passalora sequoia) on Leyland Cypress Christmas Trees
  Auburn University $11,320
• Is Phytopythium vexans Causing Disease in Christmas Trees?
  Rutgers University $25,120

In addition to the projects listed above, the RCTB has funded just over $227,127 of consumer research.

 

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