AgBioResearch

Michigan Christmas Tree Industry Research Priorities 2020

1. Reducing/eliminating cone production
   • Look at using PGR’s or herbicides to reduce the cost of picking cones.
   • Evaluate other plantation management that may influence early coning.
2. Weed management
   • Evaluate new herbicides for use in Christmas tree production. Particularly broadleaf
   herbicides to use after bud break.
   • The effects of long term glyphosate use on tree growth
   • Herbicide programs to use with ground covers
   • Herbicide resistance issues – Stinger, Velpar and Round-up
3. Improved Genetic
   • Help establish seed orchards
   • Crosses with fir’s – example: Concolor X Fraser
   • CoFirG trials of Turkish fir
   • Develop trials looking at traits for “target” seedling vs just height (example caliper,
   root shoot ratio) to improve establishment.
4. Pest Management (insects and diseases)
   • Evaluate new fungicides for use in Christmas tree production
   • Emerging pest issues – Hemlock and balsam woolly adelgid, midges, etc.
   • Sustainable pest management
   • Ways to get off the pesticide treadmill
   • Organic options
5. Nutrient management
   • Looking at nitrogen management
   • Using N inhibitors
   • Rates and timing to maintain color at harvest