Ornamental Plant Pathology
Welcome
Welcome to the WSU Puyallup Ornamental Plant Pathology program. We are part of the Department of Plant Pathology and based in the WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center.
The purpose of this website is to share information and resources about managing diseases of ornamental and native plants in Washington State. Please explore our website to learn more about our research and extension programs.
Updates
Summer 2024
- Gary Chastagner Endowment Fund is kicked off!
Spring 2024
- Sentinel planting site prep and planting completed
Autumn 2023
- Sentinel plant species selected, ordered and propagated at Puyallup
Summer 2023
- Dr. Chastagner receives the Fellow award from the American Phytopathological Society
Spring 2023
- Sentinel plant project at Port of Tacoma underway – we need your help prioritizing which plants to include.
- Story map published for Phytophthora communities in eastern Cascade waterways
Winter 2023
- Dr. Gary Chastagner recognized as Fellow by American Phytopathological Society
- Dr. Joey Hulbert co-authors open-access journal article ‘Citizen science can enhance strategies to detect and manage invasive forest pests and pathogens’
Autumn 2022
- Sooty Bark Disease Diagnostic Guide published
- Dr. Gary Chastagner receives Herb and Helen Plumb Award at annual Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association meeting in Portland, OR.
- Dr. Joey Hulbert was included in a Nature Reviews Methods Primer about citizen science.
- Our program continues to provide diagnostic support to determine if trees are infected with Sooty Bark Disease. Please contact us if you have any questions.
- We are busy analyzing the western redcedar dieback data shared by community scientists in the Forest Health Watch program. Join us for the next research update to hear some preliminary results.
- Watch this video about how you can get involved in the western redcedar dieback research.
- We helped the Washington Department of Health develop this FAQ document about Maple Bark Disease.
- New Extension document available – Preventing Phytophthora infestations in restoration nurseries.
Research Programs
Much of our research is focused on reducing the impacts of pests and diseases on industries involved in the trade of ornamental bulbs, lavender, and Christmas trees. We also conduct applied research to increase the post harvest longevity of Christmas trees.
Our program also conducts research about diseases caused by Phytophthora (fy-toff-thor-uh) species. For example, we work closely with federal and state agencies to manage and monitor Phytophthora ramorum, the invasive species that causes Sudden Oak Death and ramorum foliar blight. We also conduct research about diseases such as Pacific madrone leaf blight and Dutch Elm Disease.
Major aims of our Sudden Oak Death Research Program are to serve stakeholders in the state of Washington with:
- Learning about Phytophthora species by providing information and resources,
- Managing the impact and spread of Phytophthora species in nurseries, gardens, and landscapes,
- Monitoring streams for early detection and baseline information about Phytophthora species,
- Aiding local site eradication of Phytophthora ramorum with advanced steaming protocols and equipment.
Emerging Plant Health Concerns
Our program has summarized a few plant health concerns that have emerged recently. Access information about these plant health issues by clicking on the images below.
We will continue to update this section of our website. Please feel free to contact us if there are other emerging issues that you would like more information about.
Sooty Bark Disease
Sooty Bark Disease is an emerging concern in the Seattle metropolitan area. Find out more about this emerging concern here.
Education Programs
Click the links below for information for specific audiences
Citizen Science – Opportunities to Contribute to Research
Help Advance Knowledge
Interested in advancing knowledge and developing solutions to plant health issues in the Pacific Northwest? Our program currently hosts two citizen science projects that anyone can participate in.
Citizen science is a term for research projects that involve the general public in data collection. Visit our citizen science webpage to learn more about the current opportunities to contribute to our research.
Job, Internship and Volunteer Opportunities
Join our Community
Visit our jobs page to find out more about the opportunities to join the Ornamental Plant Pathology research program.
Check back frequently as we have many projects with seasonal opportunities.
Support Our Program
Increase our Impact
Support our program to help us conduct research and provide more services for Washington’s residents and industries through tax-deductible gifts to WSU.
WSU Puyallup Research & Extension Center, 2606 West Pioneer, Puyallup, WA, 98371-4998 USA
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