Registration now open for MSU Christmas Tree Root Rot Workshop

Bill Lindberg<lindbe35@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension - September 28, 2026

Learn more about root rot pathogens in Christmas tree production with Dr. Pratima Devkota at this in-person, hands-on event.

brown Christmas tree in a field — Phytophthora root rot killed Christmas trees. Photo by Bill Lindberg, MSU Extension

Michigan State University Extension is hosting a Christmas Tree Root Rot Workshop on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Pratima Devkota, PhD from Michigan State University will lead this hands-on training at the Michigan State University Horticultural Teaching and Research Center, 3291 College Road Holt, Michigan 48842. There is no cost to attend this training, however registration is required.

Root rots can be a major disease problem in Christmas tree production. This workshop will provide growers with a hands-on educational opportunity by focusing on how to find signs of root rot, diagnostic tests and managing these diseases.

Restricted use pesticide credits application has been made.

For more information or questions about this event, please contact Bill Lindberg at lindbe35@msu.edu or 616-438-2738.

Agenda

1 p.m. Welcome and Introduction

1:15 p.m. Overview of common root rot diseases in Michigan Christmas trees

1:45 p.m. Demonstration of root rot symptoms, diagnostic specimens and techniques

2:15 p.m. Break

2:25 p.m. Hands-on root rot diagnostic learning activity and worksheet examples

3:00 p.m. Discussion, sampling techniques, questions

3:20 p.m. Post-work meeting survey

3:30 p.m. Conclude

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).