Pacific Madrone Research Projects

Introduction

Research is important to maintain the health and sustainability of Pacific madrone in the Pacific Northwest. More resources and information about the importance and threats of this species are available here.

See below for more information about the projects and focus areas of our program. Contact us if you are interested in contributing or collaborating.

You can also join the Arbutus ARME to learn more about the opportunities to contribute to research as citizen scientists.

Projects

Genetics

Using a range-wide seed collection to establish Common Gardens throughout its range
- Exploring the variation in madrone seedlings from the range-wide seed collection

Physiology

Understanding the physiological and penological responses of Pacific madrone to environmental factors.
- See the Science Findings Report : Rise and Shine: How Do Northwest Trees Know When Winter Is Over?
  - Science Findings, US Forest Service PNW Research Station, Issue 183, March 2016.

Propagation

Identifying methods of propagating and transplanting madrone seedlings. More information about propagation is available here.

Pathology

Phytophthora
- Searching for resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi root disease
- Investigating the variation in susceptibility to Phytophthora ramorum infection from a range-wide collection of Pacific madrone seedlings
Surveillance for additional foliar pathogens of madrone
Madrone leaf blight
- Screening for resistance to Phacidiopycnis washingtonensis, the cause of leaf blight
- Identifying environmental conditions that promote infection and disease expression of P. washingtonensis

Citizen Science

Join the Arbutus ARME to learn more about the opportunities to contribute to research.

Research Outcomes

Geographic and Local Variation in Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii) Leaf Blight (PDF Poster).
Tree Resistance to Insect and Disease: Putting Promise into Practice (PDF Presentation – coming soon!).