Fraser Fir Christmas Trees Research Articles

May Beetle Grub Control, North Carolina, 1983

Abstract Six soil-applied insecticides were evaluated for efficacy in controlling May beetle grubs in pastureland scheduled for Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) Christmas tree plantings. The test pasture was densely covered with a mixture of annual and perennial grasses accompanied by various broadleaf weeds. The pasture is harvested for hay once a year in early Sept and had been cut just prior to insecticide applications. The mineral-organic Porter loamy soil (2-3% organic matter) located in Watauga Co. had a pH of 5.4, an average temperature of 15.2 degrees C at a depth of 4 inch, and a moisture content of 21% by weight. Test plots measured 10 by 10 ft and contained an average of 5.8 late-stage grubs per sq ft. Each treatment was replicated 5 times; the plots were organized in a completely random design. Pre-treatment grub counts were acquired on 16 Sep, with insecticides applied the same day. One sq ft of sod per plot was turned back to expose feeding grubs. The sod was replaced without injuring the grubs. Liquid insecticides were mixed with 2 gal of water per plot and applied with a hand-pressurized portable sprayer. Granular formulations were applied with a 20” wide hand-pushed spreader. On 16 Oct, posttreatment grub counts were acquired by turning back a previously undisturbed sq ft of sod. Both surviving and dead grubs were counted and percent grub mortality calculated. Grubs at the observed high population density were causing extensive root damage and chlorotic conditions to the sod.

Balsam Woolly Adelgid Control, 1981

Abstract Two concentrations of Dursban (0.5% and 0.125%) and 2 of Pounce (0.25% and 0.125%) were evaluated for control of the Balsam Woolly Adelgid (BWA). Tests were conducted on a Fraser fir Christmas tree plantation in Jackson County, NC. Five plots with approximately 50 trees per plot were each sprayed with 1 of the concentrations of Pounce or Dursban using a hydraulic sprayer. The remaining plot was left as a control. Ten bark samples using a No. 9 cork borer, were taken from the Dursban plots while 20 and 5 samples were taken from the Pounce and control plots respectively. Samples were taken from the base of each tree stem before and 2 wk after spraying and during the next generation of aphids. The bark samples were kept refrigerated until microscopically analyzed for the four life stages of BWA. Living and dead BWA were counted and recorded.

Measuring Freshness of Cut Fraser Fir Christmas Trees

Abstract Fraser fir [Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.] Christmas trees were cut on 30 Nov. and air-dried for periods of 2, 5, 9, 13, 19, 22, 27 and 33 days, followed by recutting the butt ends and placing in water. Trees dried 9 days or less quickly rehydrated and reached twig moisture contents considerably higher than initial values. The rate and extent of rehydration declined with further drying; trees dried longer than 27 days continued to dry after being returned to water. Needle loss was not related to duration of drying or the quantity of water taken up after trees were returned to water. Xylem pressure potential was closely related to twig moisture content and seemed to be a rapid method of assessing freshness. The critical twig moisture content of Fraser fir, i.e., the moisture content below which a tree will not rehydrate when placed in water, was about 70% to 75%, which corresponded to pressure potentials of -40 to -45 bars.

Seasonal History of the Balsam Woolly Adelgid (Homoptera: Adelgidae) in Natural Stands and Plantations of Fraser Fir

Comparisons of the seasonal history of balsam woolly adelgid, Adelges piceae (Ratzeburg), populations were made at five elevations in the southern Appalachians. Populations in three natural stands of Fraser fir, Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir, above 1,760 m produced two generations in 1983. The adelgids infesting a small plantation of mature fir at 1,219 m emerged from winter diapause a month sooner than those in natural stands, but most of the population completed two generations. A third generation was found in the adelgid population infesting a cultivate Fraser fir Christmas tree plantation at 853 m.

Field Evaluation of Acaricides for Control of Oligonychus ununguis in Fraser Fir Plantations12

Thirteen acaricides were evaluated for the control of the spruce spider mite in Fraser fir Christmas tree plantations in northwest North Carolina. Dimethoate, ethion, dicofol, and carbophenothion gave effective control when applied at the same rate by both hydraulic sprayer and mist blower. Oxydemeton-methyl also demonstrated good efficacy when applied by hydraulic spray.