P-480 - A Partnership to Define Research and Extension Needs for Vascular Streak Dieback (VSD) in Woody Ornamental Crops

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM HST

Location: Exhibit Hall 3

Presenting Author(s)

FB

Fulya Baysal-Gurel, n/a

Associate Professor
Tennessee State University, Otis L. Floyd Nursery Research Center, Department of Agriculture Sciences and Engineering
McMinnville, TN, USA

Author(s)

PL

Prabha Liyanapathiranage, PhD

State Plant Pathologist
Tennessee Department of Agriculture
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
KH

Kumuditha Hikkaduwa Epa Liyanage

Tennessee State University
McMinnville, Tennessee, United States
JB

John Bonkowski

Principal Extension Administrator
Purdue University, Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory
West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
JB

Janna Beckerman

Envu
West Lafeyette, Indiana, United States
DB

Devin Bily

VDACS Office of Plant Industry
Richmond, Virginia, United States
MM

Michael Munster

North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
HC

Hsuan Chen

North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
DH

Denita Hadziabdic, PhD

Associate Professor
University of Tennessee, Entomology and Plant Pathology Department
Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
AF

Amy Fulcher

University of Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
JS

Jacob Shreckhise

USDA-ARS
McMinnville, Tennessee, United States
AW

Anthony Witcher

Tennessee State University
McMinnville, Tennessee, United States
JW

Jerry Weiland

USDA-ARS
Corvallis, Oregon, United States
XY

Xiao Yang

Clemson University
Pendleton, South Carolina, United States

Abstract Text: Vascular streak dieback (VSD), a disease affecting woody ornamental plants, was first identified in redbud five years ago. Since its discovery, VSD has been diagnosed on over 50 plant species and has significantly affected the nursery industry in at least 13 states in the USA. Symptoms vary by host, but include stunted growth, leaf scorch, tip dieback, and vascular streaking. VSD has caused significant economic losses for growers, with over $5M in losses reported on redbud alone in 2023. The potential economic impact of VSD on three major crops—redbud, red maple, and dogwood—is estimated to exceed $175M. Given the growing nationwide prevalence of the disease and economic consequences, a strategic, collaborative approach, involving a multi-state, multidisciplinary team of experts and stakeholders, is essential to tackling the challenges associated with VSD. To this end, we assembled a team of researchers and extension specialists with expertise in plant pathology, diagnostics, fungal genetics, breeding, plant physiology, plant production systems, and agricultural economics. Supported by the USDA-NIFA Specialty Crop Research Initiative Planning Grant, we conducted a needs-assessment survey to evaluate the impact of VSD and current management practices. The next step was a meeting of scientists and stakeholders to develop and discuss a comprehensive research and extension plan aimed at improving management of VSD and the threat it poses to the nursery industry. Future efforts include publishing proceedings from the meeting and securing funding to address identified priorities.