Pest and Plant Disease Management

OSU Extension leads the fight against X-disease in Oregon’s cherry orchards

Oregon is the third-largest producer of sweet cherries in the United States, supplying about 11% of the U.S. market. The state’s sweet cherry industry was valued at $68.2 million in 2022. The majority of Oregon's cherry crop...

Mar 2025 | Impact Story

OSU Extension works with partners to fight emerald ash borer

The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle that infests and kills ash trees. It was first detected in Oregon on June 30, 2022, in Forest Grove, marking its arrival on the West Coast. EAB poses a significant threat...

Feb 2025 | Impact Story

Solve Pest Problems website gives gardeners solutions

Pests and diseases are the curse of the gardener’s existence. One day, there’s a healthy cucumber; the next, it’s a moldy mess. Searching for reliable information can be frustrating, particularly for research-based knowledge ...

Feb 2025 | Impact Story

Project Happy Apples helps gardeners fight devastating codling moth

The popularity of fruit trees for home gardens continues to grow, with apples and pears topping the list. However, codling moths, a major pest for these fruits, can quickly ruin the fun. Oregon State University Extension ...

Feb 2025 | Impact Story

OSU research to combat invasive pest benefits Oregon's fruit industry

Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is a significant pest in Oregon, particularly affecting small and stone fruit crops like cherries, blueberries and raspberries. The fruit fly was first detected in Oregon around 2009 and has since ...

Feb 2025 | Impact Story

OSU research vital for Oregon's nursery industry success

The nursery and greenhouse industry is the most valuable agricultural commodity in Oregon. A national leader, Oregon is the third largest nursery producing state in the United States. This prominent position is due to the state's...

Jan 2025 | Impact Story

OSU leads the way in developing disease-resistant and sustainable potato varieties

Oregon's potato industry is a significant part of the state's agriculture, with over 43,000 acres dedicated to potato farming. The state's favorable climate, fertile soils and well-established agricultural infrastructure contribute to ...

Jan 2025 | Impact Story

OSU study identifies key factors in Douglas-Fir decline in Klamath Mountains and provides management solutions

Douglas-fir is among the world’s most economically important tree species and is abundant across southwestern Oregon, where it is the dominant species in many low to mid-elevation forests. Douglas-fir trees provide vital wildlife ...

Jan 2025 | Impact Story

Exploring biochar as an alternative sudden oak death treatment

Sudden oak death disease has killed thousands of tanoaks on Oregon’s south coast. Since it was detected in Oregon in 2001, the standard practice to help slow the spread of the pathogen that causes the disease has been ...

Apr 2024 | Impact Story

Extension equips Baker County land managers to face the challenge of invasive and noxious weeds

Invasive and noxious weeds are one of the leading causes of land degradation in Eastern Oregon. Affected areas include over 500,000 acres of range and pastureland and countless miles of streams and waterways. It’s difficult for...

Mar 2024 | Impact Story