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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 Nova Scotia
Agricultural College, 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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