EAST LANSING, MI – Agricultural researchers want to determine where across Michigan two types of root rot are killing Christmas trees – a major crop commodity in the state.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently awarded a small specialty crop block grant to the Michigan Christmas Tree Association so that Michigan State University scientists can study both Armillaria and Phytophthora root rot. One is a type of fungus and the other a disease, respectively; both can infect and harm conifer tree plantations.

The $89,444 federal grant is expected to cover costs for scientists to develop a baseline understanding about where in Michigan those two types of root rot are harming Christmas trees. They will map and take samples of the known infestations.

“We’ll know what species are prevalen

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