Compost for disease suppression in fir seedlings (Abies spp.)

The Christmas tree industry in Canada produces about 2 million trees annually. More than 70% the annual harvest comes from the province of Quebec. However, Christmas tree farms in Quebec are losing many young trees to root dieback diseases caused by soil-borne fungi. An effective biological solution is to mix disease-suppressive compost with soil before planting the young Christmas trees. Disease-suppressive compost contains a complex microbiome that protects the tree while inhibiting the growth of fungal pathogens. The study uses genomic procedures to identify the microorganisms that are more abundant in disease-suppressive composts, for which a beneficial effect has been documented for Christmas trees. This will provide a reliable diagnostic assay of the disease-suppressive power of composts for young trees. Christmas tree growers will use this information to purchase and apply the best disease-suppressive compost to promote the growth of seedlings in the nursery and in the plantation.

Faculty Supervisor:

Joann Whalen

Student:

Partner:

Downey Tree Farm and Nursery

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

McGill University

Program: