Tree Science: Genetic Engineering May Save Your Holiday

And while the mountain region in our state is known for having the ideal climate for growing nearly perfect Fraser firs, there are concerns that have hit home hard. With temperatures on the rise, the climate seems to be drier overall, but when the rain comes, it doesn’t come in gentle even waves. It comes in torrential downpours that cause flooding and damage, and all of that moisture is lending a helping hand to a tree fungus, Phytophthora root rot, that is killing Fraser firs. These incredible smelling trees that adorn many homes during the Christmas season take approximately 10 years to grow before being they can be sold during the holiday season. Phytophthora often strikes and kills during those necessary years of growth, leaving many Christmas tree farmers without enough crop to sell. And once Phytophthora creeps in letting root rot take over, trees turn orange within a couple of weeks. There’s no chance of survival, and additional plantings in that same area continue to develop the fungus because the fungal spores thrive in the soil with all the other microbes. It’s just impossible to get rid of.