Gary Chastagner

WSU experts are studying a surge of fungal diseases striking down young Christmas trees already weakened by climate change.

Drier summers and warmer autumns spell trouble for that iconic winter evergreen, the Christmas tree. A WSU scientist is working to safeguard the crop.

Plant Pathologist Gary Chastagner studies promising varieties to solve a deadly disease challenge

WSU Researchers Investigate Alternatives to Methyl Bromide Safe, cheap, and effective alternatives for methyl bromide, long sought by nursery seedling growers and other farmers, may be on the horizon. Ongoing research at Washington State University into antifungal plant species and a diagnostic test could help growers phase out their use of methyl bromide, a soil […]

PUYALLUP, Wash. – The lots are open and shoppers are already buying and putting up their Christmas trees. What’s the secret to keeping a Christmas tree fresh through the holiday season? Be sure to provide it with plenty of water advises Washington State University plant pathologist and internationally recognized Christmas tree expert Gary Chastagner.

PUYALLUP, Wash. — The secret to keeping a Christmas tree fresh through the holiday season is simple: Provide it with plenty of water. That’s the advice of Washington State University plant pathologist and internationally recognized Christmas tree expert Gary Chastagner.

PULLMAN, Wash. — For decades, the conifer seedling nursery industry has fumigated soils with the chemical methyl bromide between plantings in order to control a devastating pathogen, Fusarium root rot. Because of safety and environmental concerns, methyl bromide use is increasingly restricted and expensive, and ultimately its use will be phased out. Thanks to a […]

PUYALLUP, Wash. – September may seem a bit early to be talking about Christmas trees, but it’s not if you are one of the more than 10,000 Christmas tree growers in the Northwest that supply about one-third of the world’s holiday conifers each year. On Friday, Sept. 18, a group of Christmas tree experts and […]

PULLMAN, Wash. — For 35 years, the Capitol Christmas tree has been harvested from one of the 50 states and transported to Washington D.C. This year, Washington State is providing a majestic, picture-perfect, 45-year-old tree that will stand in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C. during the holidays. Washington State University scientist […]

PUYALLUP, Wash. — What makes an ideal Christmas tree? Most of us look for things like shape, fullness and good color, but Washington State University plant pathologist Gary Chastagner has some additional criteria. “For me, the ideal Christmas tree is one that’s relatively easy to grow in this region, has natural resistance to disease and […]