Researchers at Washington State University (WSU) are spearheading a significant project aimed at improving the quality of Christmas trees. This initiative, known as “A GIFT SEED,” which stands for Accelerated Genetic Improvement of Fir Through Sequencing, Economics, Extension and Diagnostics, has secured nearly $7.5 million in funding from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Leading this project is Gary Chastagner, a professor emeritus at WSU, who is often referred to as “Dr. Christmas Tree” due to his extensive expertise in tree and ornamental flower bulb pathologies. After nearly five decades in the field, Chastagner was recognized with a lifetime achievement award from the National Christmas Tree Association in 2018 for his contributions to enhancing the Christmas tree industry.
Chastagner’s work has had a profound impact on the industry, particularly in improving tree quality and sustainability practices. He expressed his satisfaction in seeing the positive effects of his research on tree growers, stating, “You can’t ask for anything more.” Despite retiring in 2022, he remains active in research efforts.
Collaboration Across Institutions
The GIFT SEED project brings together researchers from nine institutions across various countries, including WSU and Oregon State University. The collaboration aims to address multiple challenges faced by Christmas tree growers, such as pest resistance, disease management, and adapting to climate change.
In 2022, the U.S. Christmas tree industry cut down over 14.5 million trees, generating more than $553 million in revenue. The largest producers were Oregon and North Carolina, which together accounted for more than half of the nation’s Christmas tree yield. Washington State ranked fourth, contributing around one million commercial trees.
According to Justin Whitehill, associate professor and director of the Christmas Tree Genetics Program at North Carolina State University, approximately 75% of Christmas trees sold in the U.S. are fir varieties. Whitehill noted that if Douglas firs are included, the proportion of firs rises to 93%. He highlighted that true firs are favored for their appearance and aroma, which contributes significantly to their popularity.
Exploring Consumer Preferences
As part of the GIFT SEED project, researchers are investigating the characteristics that make certain fir species more appealing to consumers. Earlier this year, volunteers in Pullman, Washington, participated in a study led by Carolyn Ross, a food sciences professor at WSU. The study examined the role of aroma in tree selection and included a panel conducted at the University of Florida for comparative analysis.
Ross’s research involved volunteers assessing the scent and appearance of bough segments from various fir species, including Fraser, noble, Nordmann’s, Trojan, and concolor. Initial findings indicated that Fraser firs were the most popular among participants, particularly for their aroma, while noble firs received lower ratings.
Ross emphasized the complexity of consumer preferences, noting, “There’s not one perfect something for everybody.” Different individuals may gravitate towards varying scents, such as piney or citrus notes. The goal of the research is to understand what fragrances influence consumer preferences and how these can be factored into breeding efforts.
As the project progresses, Whitehill and Chastagner are eager to incorporate the aroma findings into broader research initiatives. They aim to explore the genetic factors contributing to tree aromas, as well as natural defenses against pests and diseases.
“This project is exciting because it combines genetics, pathology, aroma chemistry, and biology to address the major issues facing the industry,” Whitehill remarked. Both researchers believe the outcomes will benefit not only growers but also consumers, marking a significant advancement in the understanding of Christmas trees.
Chastagner concluded that the project represents a comprehensive approach to enhancing the Christmas tree industry, ensuring that trees meet consumer expectations while supporting sustainable growing practices. “These little trees, we ask them to do a lot,” Ross added, reflecting on the nostalgic values tied to Christmas trees and the science that can enhance their appeal.
