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Washington State University
WSU Puyallup Ornamental Plant Pathology

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

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

Winter 2023

Autumn 2022

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

Sooty Bark Disease is an emerging concern in the Seattle metropolitan area. Find out more about this emerging concern here.

Education Programs

Nursery Inspector

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.

Youth volunteers contributing to stream monitoring and 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.

WSU Puyallup Personnel

Support Our Program

Phytophthora culture

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.