Their two recent HortScience studies focused on Botryosphaeria dothidea, a fungal pathogen associated with stem canker in eastern redbud. The disease can damage stems, cause branch dieback, reduce ornamental quality and lead to plant loss, making it a serious concern for nursery production and landscape management.
One study evaluated conventional fungicides, biofungicides and a plant-based extract for managing the disease. Several treatments reduced disease severity in greenhouse trials, while selected biological and plant-derived products showed promise as part of a broader integrated disease-management program. The findings give growers more information as they weigh effectiveness, production needs and sustainability goals.
A second study looked at how the pathogen can move from plant to plant on contaminated pruning and cutting tools. The researchers compared sanitizer products and found that proper disinfection practices can help reduce transmission during pruning and propagation. The results underscore a practical point for growers: disease management is not only about treating infected plants. It is also about preventing the pathogen from spreading during routine nursery work.
Together, the studies offer a clearer, more practical approach to Botryosphaeria stem canker in redbud. When effective treatment options are combined with consistent tool sanitation, nursery and landscape professionals have a stronger path for reducing disease pressure and protecting plant health.
"After observing a rise in cases of canker diseases in ornamental nurseries and hearing concerns directly from growers, we initiated this research to better understand effective management strategies," said Dr..Baysal-Gurel. "Our findings show that integrating fungicide treatments with proper sanitation practices can play a critical role in reducing disease spread and improving plant health in nursery production systems."
The work was led by Dr. Fulya Baysal-Gurel, associate dean for research and research associate professor of agricultural sciences and engineering at TSU Ag, and Pratima Subedi, graduate student researcher at the Otis L. Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville.
The research reflects TSU Ag's applied approach to plant health research at the Otis L. Floyd Nursery Research Center, where faculty, graduate students and industry partners work on production challenges facing Tennessee's nursery sector and the broader green industry.
The full articles can be read on the ASHS HortScience electronic journal website at: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI18841-25 and https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI19290-26
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community - scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. To learn more, visit ashs.org.
