In the high desert of Central Oregon, farmers produce some of the world’s most valuable hybrid carrot seed. But their fields face a persistent and costly threat: a plant disease called bacterial blight, caused by the ...
Dry bulb onions are a vital crop in the Treasure Valley of Eastern Oregon and southwestern Idaho. About 10,000 hectares are planted each year, contributing more than $120 million to the region’s economy. But onion farming is...
Port-Orford-cedar root rot, caused by the invasive pathogen Phytophthora lateralis, has led to widespread mortality of Port-Orford-cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) throughout its native range in Southern Oregon. These distribution efforts ...
Honeybees are essential pollinators for crops like apples, blueberries, cherries, melons, almonds and broccoli. In the United States, they contribute an estimated $20 billion in crop pollination each year. But over the past 50 ...
Pesticides are commonly used in agriculture to manage serious pest problems. But not all pesticides carry the same level of risk. Broad-spectrum pesticides can affect earthworms, birds and other beneficial species. Some can also ...
Invasive and noxious weeds are a major cause of land degradation in Eastern Oregon, affecting more than 500,000 acres of rangeland and pasture, along with miles of waterways. In Baker County, land managers often struggle to ...
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...
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
Credit Oregon State University (Cropped from original)
Accurate harvest timing helps vegetable growers meet market demand, minimize pest damage and schedule labor efficiently. Traditionally, growers plan planting and harvest dates using a calendar and the crop’s estimated days to ...
Feb 2025 |
Impact Story
Credit: Oregon Department of Forestry (Cropped from original)
Sudden oak death, caused by the non-native pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, continues to threaten Oregon’s forests and rural communities. The disease has killed hundreds of thousands of tanoak trees in Curry County and contributes to...