Thuja standishii × plicata ‘Green Giant’(Gordon) Carr. Hesperocyparis arizonica ‘Carolina sapphire’ GreeneĪL, AR, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, VAĪL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA Hesperocyparis arizonica ‘Blue Ice’ Greene Hesperocyparis arizonica ‘Silver smoke’ Greene × Cupressocyparis leylandii ‘Leigton green’ (A. × Cupressocyparis leylandii ‘Naylor blue’ (A. Reasons for its popularity include its natural conical shape that responds well to shearing and shaping, color and aroma that is pleasing to consumers, strong branches for holding ornaments, and excellent needle retention that allows for trees to be harvested and shipped many weeks before their use in peoples’ homes ( Chastagner and Benson 2000).Ībies concolor(Gord. In North Carolina alone Fraser fir makes up 98% of all trees produced with an annual wholesale value of US$100 million, annual retail value of US$250 million, and an additional US$25 million annually from the sale of greenery and wreaths ( Owen 2016, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service 2019). (Pinales: Pinaceae) has emerged as the premier and most widely planted Christmas tree species in the region, with most production in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Over recent decades, Fraser fir, Abies fraseri Poir. Trees from at least nine different genera are grown for Christmas tree production across the region ( Table 2), sold either precut on tree lots or as choose and cut where consumers travel to a farm to select and cut their own tree, a popular holiday tradition for many families.
We propose several areas in need of research that could help Fraser fir Christmas tree producers mitigate the impacts of climate change and potential new pest species, as well as suggest changes to current or potentially novel integrated pest management strategies which have a chance to provide economic and ecological benefits for this industry. In general, pest management in Christmas tree production systems has not changed significantly in the last several decades, and still relies heavily on pesticide usage. We review the major pests affecting Fraser fir Christmas tree production, including their biology, symptoms, and scouting procedures, and current management strategies. Christmas trees are produced in monocultural environments which make them highly susceptible to several arthropod and fungal pests.
Pest management for Christmas trees is notoriously difficult owing to the near zero-tolerance of most pests, even those causing aesthetic damage. Fraser fir production is a multi-million dollar annual industry despite growing in a limited elevational and latitudinal range. This species represents a major component of the Christmas tree industry in the southeastern United States, with production occurring in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. , is one of the most desired Christmas tree species owing to its fragrance, physical appearance, and durability.