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Risk assessment of nematode-transmitted viruses of small fruit crops in the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest (PNW) maintains a $840 million small fruit industry susceptible to nepoviruses, which are viruses that are transmitted by dagger nematodes. The association of viruses with nematodes is complicated with many nepoviruses, taxonomic confusion among vector nematodes, and limited data on the ability of Xiphinema spp. populations to vector many of the nepoviruses. Research was conducted to provide an up-to- date assessment of the problem in the region and to develop new molecular tools to improve detection of this disease complex. Over two years, 96 small fruit fields and vineyards were sampled in the PNW. In total 43 vineyard, 24 blueberry, 15 raspberry, 8 blackberry, 5 strawberry and one ribes fields were assessed for dagger nematode and nepoviruses. The highest incidence of dagger nematode was found in grape vines (79 %) followed by raspberry and blueberries. The population densities were 56 and 37 nematodes per 250 cc of soil in grapes and blueberry, respectively. Tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV) was found in three blueberry fields, while, in grape, raspberry and ribes only one field each. Tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV) was found in six vineyards.

Continue ReadingRisk assessment of nematode-transmitted viruses of small fruit crops in the Pacific Northwest

Diversity in Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne ex Rosier: Phenotypic characterization of a strawberry diversity collection

During 2019-2020, the National Clonal Germplasm Repository measured numerical traits describing 284 strawberry cultivars from the Corvallis genebank that were planted in a field in Corvallis, Oregon. The broader goal of this study was to obtain phenotypic data on these accessions that were being analyzed in ongoing molecular studies. The objectives were to obtain phenotypic descriptors for the accessions; obtain images of plants, flowers, and fruit of each accession; and load the phenotypic descriptors and image data to GRIN-Global.

Continue ReadingDiversity in Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne ex Rosier: Phenotypic characterization of a strawberry diversity collection

Connecting Breeders to Producers: Regional on-Farm trials of Strawberry Cultivars and Elite Selections

There has been an ongoing need to have consistent strawberry variety grower trials to determine the potential these new varieties have in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) climate and markets. This project began to bridge the gap between the introduction of new varieties and growers confidently planting these new varieties. Three seasons of fresh and processed strawberry trials were planted in the Pacific Northwest and evaluated for fall establishment, overwintering potential and preharvest qualities that would meet grower and buyer standards.

Continue ReadingConnecting Breeders to Producers: Regional on-Farm trials of Strawberry Cultivars and Elite Selections