Black stain root disease (BSRD) is a vascular wilt disease of conifers caused by three varieties of the native, insect-vectored fungal pathogen, Leptographium wageneri (L. wageneri var. wageneri, L. wageneri var. ponderosum, and L. wageneri var. pseudotsugae). Although morphological, physiological, and ecological characteristics differ among the three varieties of L....
Transformation is a major bottleneck for genetic engineering and gene editing in forest tree species. This includes most genotypes of Populus and Eucalyptus, which are some of the world’s most widely-cultivated genera of plantation forest trees. To provide new tools for transformation, I tested the transcription factor-protein chimera consisting of...
In watersheds across the American Pacific Northwest, changes in the cultural and regulatory landscape have increased pressure to restore and protect populations of anadromous fish. But restoration of anadromous fish populations constitutes a ‘wicked problem’, relentless in character, affecting diverse stakeholder groups, and defying ‘once and for all’ solutions (Weber...
It is uncertain how predicted changes in climate will impact vegetation responses and plant species’ distributions because the physiological mechanisms underlying thresholds for damage are not well understood, and responses to stress vary by functional type and developmental stage. Thus, it is crucial to investigate physiological responses to heat and...
European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is an important crop Oregon's Willamette Valley, producing 99% of the hazelnuts grown in North America and brings over US $60 million dollars to the region annually. Hazelnuts are rich in fiber and vitamins, as well in demand by consumers due to their popularity as...
Understanding the mechanisms of disease in forest pathology is a critical component to learning how to most efficiently manage tree diseases like Swiss needle cast (SNC). SNC is an economically important, fungal disease of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) that is prevalent in coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest. This...
Betalains are a group of compounds that are major natural food colorants used by the food processing industry. These secondary compounds are found in only a few orders of plants with the Caryophyllales being the source of several domesticated crops. In particular, the family Chenopodiaceae in general and table beets...
Root rot diseases are a major constraint to bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
production around the world. Both snap beans and dry beans are affected. Root rot diseases can be caused by a variety of pathogens; however, Fusarium solani is a common causal agent. Fusarium root rot is a primary yield...
Many stakeholders involved with stream restoration in the Pacific Northwest have discussed the potential benefits of using beaver dam construction activities (Castor canadensis) as a management tool to improve degraded stream habitat for anadromous salmon species. In addition, there has been growing interest in using nuisance beavers, primarily controlled by...
Streams across the western United States are impaired from human alterations that have reduced freshwater habitat by simplifying channel complexity and disconnecting floodplains (Knox et al., 2022; Waples et al., 2008; Wohl, 2014). Climate change is likely to continue exacerbating these risks by warming summer surface stream temperatures (Crozier et...