Feb '10

NSAC Receives $2.4 Million in Support of Christmas Tree Research


For most of us, thoughts of Christmas and finding the perfect tree are long behind us, but for researchers at NSAC, it’s Christmas all over again!

NSAC received nearly $2.4 million from the Atlantic Innovation Fund over a five-year period to aid in the development of Smart Christmas trees or “A” grade trees with all the desirable attributes and technologies to control needle drop.

“ This is great news for NSAC and great news for the Atlantic Canada Christmas tree industry,” said Dr. Richard Donald, vice-president research, extension and outreach. “This research is of fundamental importance for the future sustainability of this multimillion dollar industry and we are proud to take the lead on this project.”

NSAC is a lead member of the Atlantic Canada Christmas Tree Research and Development Consortium that has developed the SMART Christmas Trees and Technologies Initiative. The Consortium conducts research into the prevention of needle loss in balsam fir Christmas trees.

“This AIF project will focus on developing the technology needed to prevent needle loss, which is the most significant challenge facing the industry in Atlantic Canada,” explained Dr. Raj Lada, a plant stress physiologist at NSAC who, along with his team, has been conducting outstanding research on Christmas trees over the past four years with some exciting progress.

The intent of the project is to develop a means of improving needle retention properties and overall quality of the trees and ensuring an eco-friendly production. In Atlantic Canada, the Christmas tree industry generates nearly $72 million annually.
The NSAC will undertake this project in partnership with the University of New Brunswick, private sector partners and the Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador provincial governments.
 
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