Christmas Tree Species Research Articles

Comparison of Scotch Pine Christmas Tree Varieties in Virginia

Abstract Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) is a popular Christmas tree species throughout the country, but it is not widely grown in the southern United States. Many of the physical characteristics that influence Christmas tree quality are genetically influenced and vary with seed source. A study was established in Virginia to investigate Christmas tree marketability and quality from 17 commercial seed sources of Scotch pine. Nine test plantations, three each in the western mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain, were established in 1987 and cultured for eight growing seasons. The study was terminated in the winter of 1995. Many differences were found in measured variables between seed sources and regions of the state, however, there were no significant source x region interactions. Four sources emerged as the top performers based on a tree value index: Lower Austria, Musser Special Strain, Belgium Campine, and Pennspanish. Two of these, the Musser and Pennspanish, are improved sources that have been selected for desirable Christmas tree traits. Although Scotch pine trees had greater heights and marketability factors in the western mountains of Virginia, the trees that became marketable in 8 years in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain had a mean USDA Tree Grade significantly lower than in the mountains. The Coastal Plain trees suffered reduced marketability due to Nantucket pine tip moth damage. Effective control of this pest would greatly improve the marketability of Scotch pine trees in the Coastal Plain. South. J. Appl. For. 21(2):57-63.

CONSUMER PREFERENCE FOR ALTERNATE CHRISTMAS TREE SPECIES

A survey was developed evaluating the preference of consumers for purchasing three alternative Christmas tree species. Trees included: Pinus virginiana, a traditional Alabama Christmas tree; a containerized Ilex × `Nellie R. Stevens'; and a cut × Cupressocyparis leylandii. Virginia pine and leyland cypress were rated higher than the holly. The average rating on a scale of 1 to 5 for the Virginia pine and the leyland cypress was 3.75 and 3.63, respectively. Consumers rated the holly an average of 3.29. A rating of 1 indicated a strong negative response and a rating of 5 offered a strong positive response for buying the tree. The median rating for all three species was 4, indicating that 50% of the participants rated them a 4 or higher. The mode, or most frequent rating, was 5 for all three species. Although the average rating for the holly was lower than the average for the Virginia pine and leyland cypress, the holly and the leyland cypress may have a market niche with >50% of the respondents indicating that they would purchase the trees.

Propagation of Fraser Fir

Abstract Fraser fir [Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.], the most important Christmas tree species in North Carolina, is rapidly gaining popularity nationwide. It is propagated by seed, but special needs such as genetic improvement will involve use of grafting, air layering, propagation by stem cuttings, and micropropagation (tissue culture). This paper summarizes research conducted to date on Fraser fir concerning these techniques in addition to information regarding seed production and sexual propagation.

Effect of Water Additives on Fraser Fir Needle Retention

Several floral and tree preservatives were evaluated to determine their effect on postharvest needle retention of Fraser fir [Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.], an important Christmas tree species. Clorox (sodium hypochlorite) and aspirin (salicylic acid) caused massive needle loss, and three of the six commercial additives increased needle loss significantly, No treatment was better than water alone.

Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) Nutrient Norms for Fraser Fir Christmas Trees

Abstract Fraser fir (Abies fraseri [Pursh] Poir.) is an important Christmas tree species in Virginia and North Carolina. Because it is responsive to fertilization, and because most Fraser fir growers fertilize their crop, a scientifically based nutrient diagnosis and fertilizer recommendation system is needed. The objective of this study was to develop and test Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) norms for Fraser fir Christmas trees for the ultimate purpose of establishing a nutrition diagnosis and fertilizer prescription system. A total of 107 Fraser fir plantations were sampled for foliage, soil, and diameter measurements. These plantations represented the range in site conditions and management practices for Fraser fir Christmas trees grown in Virginia. Foliage and soil were analyzed for macro- and micronutrients. DRIS norms were developed from these data using standard DRIS procedures. A total of 42 nutrient ratios were significant discriminators of tree performance as measured by variation in groundline diameter. The norms were tested using sixth-year data from a factorial fertilizer trial. Nutrient limitations due to both deficiencies and imbalance were detected and correctly diagnosed using the newly derived norms. A more thorough validation will be made with time, but this preliminary test showed that these norms are a reasonable first approximation. For. Sci. 37(4):998-1010.

Effects of Frequency of Chemical Weed Control on Growth and Quality of Christmas Trees1

Abstract Effective weed control is essential to the production of high-quality Christmas trees on most planting sites. Many growers use herbicides applied along rows of trees, in combination with mowing between rows, to control competing grasses and broadleaved weeds. This study evaluated one-time, biannual, and annual applications of herbicide during a 6-year period on growth and quality of different Christmas tree species planted on moderately dry and moist planting sites. Increased height growth from more frequent applications was limited primarily to the drier site, and even on that site rotation length would have been reduced by only 1 year. Christmas tree quality, as reflected by foliage density and tree weights, generally improved on both areas as herbicides were applied more frequently. Colorado spruce, Douglas-fir, and Fraser fir benefited more than Scotch and white pines. North. J. Appl. For. 6:15-17, March 1989.