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Profile

Gary Chastagner

Gary Chastagner

Plant Pathologist / Extension Specialist 253-445-4528 Kalkus 209A 2606 West Pioneer

Ornamental Plant Pathology website

Research Specialty and Interests

Epidemiology and management of Phytophthora ramorum in nurseries, Christmas trees and forests; the etiology, epidemiology and management of ornamental bulb crop and Christmas tree diseases; and factors that affect the postharvest quality of Christmas trees.

Education

  • University of California – Davis, Ph. D. Plant Pathology, 1976
  • University of California – Davis, M.S. Plant Pathology, 1973
  • Calif. State University – Fresno, A.B. Biology and Industrial Arts, 1971

Professional Experience and Activities

Experience

  • Plant Pathologist & Extension Specialist, Washington State University – Puyallup, 1999 to date.
  • Plant Pathologist, Washington State University – Puyallup, 1989 to 1998.
  • Associate Plant Pathologist, Washington State University – Puyallup, 1983 to 1989.
  • Assistant Plant Pathologist, Washington State University – Puyallup, 1978 to 1983.
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate and Lecturer, University of California – Davis, 1977-78

Activities

Sudden Oak Death (SOD) – USDA-CPHST Technical Working Group forPhytophthora ramorum, 2008-date; APHISPhytophthora ramorumAssessment Team, 2007; APHIS SOD BMP Workshop, 2007; APHIS SOD Science Panel, 2003-04 & 2006; California Department Food and Agriculture Science Advisory Panel, 2004; WSDA Nursery and Holiday Greenery Ad Hoc SOD Advisory Committees, 2004-date.

ISHS – Working Group on Bulbs and Bulb Flowers, 1988-date; Organizing Committee for the Fifth International Symposium on Flower Bulbs, 1988-89; Scientific Committee for the Ninth (Japan, 2001-2004) and Tenth (Netherlands, 2007-2008) International Symposia on Flower Bulbs.

APS – Pacific Division Councilor 1997-2000, Secretary-Treasurer 1984-86, President 1991-92; Working Group on Phytophthora kernoviae, 2007/08; Forest Pathology Committee, 2005-2008; Committee on Diseases of Ornamental Plants, 2000 – 2003, Chairman 2001-2002; Committee on Diseases of Ornamental Plants and Turf, 1980-87, Chairman 1986; National Meeting Program Committee, 1986, 2001; Advisory Committee for the APS Compendium of Turfgrass Diseases, 1982; APS Press Illustrations of Plant Pathogens and Diseases Committee, 1994-1997.

Sigma Xi – President Tahoma Chapter, 1994-97

Awards, Honors, and Memberships

  • American Phytopathological Society (APS)
  • APS Pacific Division
  • International Society of Plant Pathology
  • International Society of Horticultural Sciences (ISHS)
  • Sigma Xi
  • Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association President’s Appreciation Award – 2003
  • Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association Barney Douglass Research Award – 2005

Publications

Journal papers

  • Hollingsworth, R. G., G. A. Chastagner, N. J. Reimer, D. E. Oishi, P. J. Landolt and R. E. Paull. 2008. Use of shaking treatments and pre-harvest sprays of pyrethroid insecticides to reduce risk of yellowjackets and other insects on Christmas trees imported into Hawaii. Journal of Economic Entomology (In Press)
  • Chastagner, G. A., E. Hinesley, and J. Owen. 2008. Effect of two fire retardants on postharvest drying and flammability of Douglas-fir and Fraser fir Christmas trees. HortScience 43(1): 203-205.
  • Dart, N. L., Chastagner, G. A., E. F. Rugarber and K. Riley. 2007. Recovery frequency of Phytophthora ramorum and other Phytophthora spp. in the soil profile of ornamental retail nurseries. Plant Disease 91: 1419-1422.
  • Dart, N. L., and Chastagner, G. A. 2007. High recovery rate of Phytophthorafrom containerized nursery stock pots at a retail nursery highlights potential for spreading exotic oomycetes. Plant Health Progress doi:10.1094/PHP-2007-0816-01-BR.
  • Dart, N. L., and Chastagner, G. A. 2007. Estimated economic losses associated with the destruction of plants due to Phytophthora ramorum quarantine efforts in Washington State. Plant Health Progress doi:10.1094/PHP-2007-0508-02-RS.
  • Dart, N. L., Chastagner, G. A., Peever, T. L. 2007. Spread of Heterobasidion annosum in Christmas tree plantations of the United States Pacific Northwest. Phytopathology 97: 551-556.
  • Chastagner, G, A., E. Hinesley, and K. Riley. 2007. Effectiveness of I-V watering devices in maintaining postharvest freshness and quality of cut Christmas trees. Postharvest Biology and Technology 43: 178-181.
  • Chastagner, G. A. 2001. Susceptibility of intermountain Douglas-fir to Rhabdocline needle cast when grown in the Pacific Northwest. Plant Health Progress doi:10.1094/PHP-2001-1029-01-RS.
  • Dart, N. L., and Chastagner, G. A. 2007. Estimated economic losses associated with the destruction of plants due to Phytophthora ramorum quarantine efforts in Washington State. Plant Health Progress doi:10.1094/PHP-2007-0508-02-RS.
  • Dart, N. and G. Chastagner. 2006. Essential components to managing and monitoring for Phytophthora ramorum. Douglasia 30(3): 24-27.
  • Chastagner, G. A., and K. L. Riley. 2005. Sensitivity of pathogen inocula to chlorine dioxide gas. Acta Horticulturae 673 (1): 355-359.
  • Chastagner, G. A., and P. Kaufmann. 2005. Efficacy of fungicides in controlling leaf spot on bulbous iris. Acta Horticulturae 673 (2): 509-512.
  • Nielsen, U. B. and G. A. Chastagner. 2005. Variation in postharvest quality among Nordmann fir provenances. HortScience 40(3): 553-557.
  • Nielsen, U. B., and G. A Chastagner. 2005. Genetic variation in postharvest needle retention among Nordmann fir families and grafted clones. Scand. J. For. Research. Scandinavian J. Forest Research 20(4): 304-312
  • Copes, W. E., G. A. Chastagner, and R. L. Hummel. 2004. Activity of chlorine dioxide in a solution of ions and pH against Thielaviopsis brasicola and Fusarium oxysporum. Plant Dis. 88: 188-194.
  • Chastagner, G. A., U. B. Nielsen, and K. L. Riley. 2004. Comparison of the postharvest quality of noble fir boughs from the United States and Danish provenances grown in Denmark. HortScience 39(3): 580-583.

Technical

  • Chastagner, G. A., K. Riley and N. Dart. 2008. Phytophthora ramorum isolated from California bay laurel inflorescences and mistletoe: Possible implications relating to disease spread. Pp.169-172. In:
  • Frankel, S. J., J. T. Kliejunas, and K. M. Palmieri. Tech. Editors, Proceedings of the sudden oak death third science symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR- 214. Albany, CA: USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 491 p.
  • Chastagner, G. A., K. Riley and N. Dart. 2008. Spread and development of Phytophthora ramorum in a California Christmas tree farm. Pp.199-200. In: Frankel, S. J., J. T. Kliejunas, and K. M. Palmieri. Tech. Editors, Proceedings of the sudden oak death third science symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR- 214. Albany, CA: USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 491 p.
  • Chastagner, G. A., A. DeBauw, K. Riley and N. Dart. 2008. Effectiveness of fungicides in protecting conifers and rhododendrons from Phytophthora ramorum. Pp.325-334. In: Frankel, S. J., J. T.
  • Kliejunas, and K. M. Palmieri. Tech. Editors, Proceedings of the sudden oak death third science symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR- 214. Albany, CA: USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 491 p.
  • Dart, N. L., and G. A Chastagner. 2008. Estimated economic losses associated with the destruction of plants owing to Phytophthora ramorum quarantine efforts in Washington State. Pp.341-344. In:
  • Frankel, S. J., J. T. Kliejunas, and K. M. Palmieri. Tech. Editors, Proceedings of the sudden oak death third science symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR- 214. Albany, CA: USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 491 p.
  • Landgren, C., G. Chastagner, and K. Riley. 2008. Provenance and progeny growth and postharvest needle retention test results from Nordmann (Abies nordmanniana) and Turkish fir (A. bornmuelleriana) trials in Oregon and Washington. Pp 3-5. In:Thomsen, I. M., H. N. Rasmussen, J. M. Sørensen. Proceedings of the 8th International Christmas Tree Research & Extension Conference. Forest & Landscape Denmark, University of Copenhagen http://en.sl.life.ku.dk/upload/workingpapersno26.pdf
  • Wunderlich, L. and G. Chastagner. 2008. Challenges to managing Phytophthora root rot in California’s Sierra Nevada foothills. Pp. 42-45. In: Thomsen, I. M., H. N. Rasmussen, J. M. Sørensen. Proceedings of the 8th International Christmas Tree Research & Extension Conference. Forest & Landscape Denmark, University of Copenhagen http://en.sl.life.ku.dk/upload/workingpapersno26.pdf
  • Chastagner, G., K. Riley, and N. Dart. 2008. Risk of spread of Phytophthora ramorum in Christmas trees. Pp. 46-48. In: Thomsen,I. M., H. N. Rasmussen, J. M. Sørensen. Proceedings of the 8th International Christmas Tree Research & Extension Conference. Forest & Landscape Denmark, University of Copenhagen http://en.sl.life.ku.dk/upload/workingpapersno26.pdf
  • Chastagner, G., K. Riley, and C. Landgren. 2008. Variation in the susceptibility of noble fir (Abies procera) to current season needle necrosis. Pp 87-88. In: Thomsen, I. M., H. N. Rasmussen, J. M. Sørensen. Proceedings of the 8th International Christmas Tree Research & Extension Conference. Forest & Landscape Denmark, University of Copenhagen http://en.sl.life.ku.dk/upload/workingpapersno26.pdf
  • Hollingsworth, R., G. Chastagner, and G. Dermott. 2008. Efficacy of preharvest applications of permethrin in controlling infestations of yellowjackets (Vespula spp.) and other insects on harvested Christmas trees. Pp. 91-92. In Thomsen, I. M., H. N. Rasmussen, J. M. Sørensen. Proceedings of the 8th International Christmas Tree Research & Extension Conference. Forest & Landscape Denmark, University of Copenhagen http://en.sl.life.ku.dk/upload/workingpapersno26.pdf
  • Stark, J. D., A. Antonelli, G. Chastagner. 2008. The Grand Fir Twig borer (Argyresthia sp): A new pest of grand fir (Abies grandis) in the Pacific Northwest United States. Pp. 93-94. In: Thomsen, I. M., H. N. Rasmussen, J. M. Sørensen. Proceedings of the 8th International Christmas Tree Research & Extension Conference. Forest & Landscape Denmark, University of Copenhagen http://en.sl.life.ku.dk/upload/workingpapersno26.pdf

Extension and Industry

  • Bates, R., and G. Chastagner. 2008. Joint research project: Aims to identify superior sources of Canaan fir. American Christmas Tree Journal 52(5): 12-13.
  • Chastagner, G. 2008. Risk of Phytophthora ramorum infection in Christmas trees – An update. American Christmas Tree Journal 52(5): 18-19.
  • Chastagner, G., A. DeBauw, and K. Riley. 2008. Rehydration of noble and Fraser fir Christmas trees. Lookout 41(2): 29-30.
  • Antonelli, A., D. Tapio, J. Stark, and G. Chastagner. 2008. Failure of registered products to control needle midge? Lookout 41(3): 26-27.
  • Chastagner, G. and K. Riley. 2007. Solving the needle loss nuisance – Christmas tree research examines the effect of harvest date on true fir needle retention. Great Lakes Christmas Tree Journal 2(3): 36-39
  • Dart N.L., Chastagner G.A. 2007. Virtual Oomycete Demonstration Nursery: Online Interactive Education. WSU Online Resource.  English version (http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/ppo/)
  • Dart N.L., Chastagner G.A. 2007. Virtual Oomycete Demonstration Nursery: Online Interactive Education. WSU Online Resource.  Spanish Version (http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/ppo/)
  • Dart N.L., Chastagner G.A. 2007. Managing and monitoring Phytophthora ramorum in Washington nurseries: Online training module. English version (http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/ppo/)
  • Dart N.L., Chastagner G.A. 2007. Managing and monitoring Phytophthora ramorum in Washington nurseries: Online training module. Spanish Version (http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/ppo/)
  • Chastagner, G. and N. Dart. 2006. Washington State University’s Phytophthora ramorum research and outreach program. B & B 58(2): 10-11.
  • Chastagner, G. 2006. Washington State University dedicates new sudden oak death research lab at Puyallup. Christmas Tree Lookout 39(2): 11-12.
  • Landgren, C., J. Hart, and G. Chastagner. 2006. An update on research projects. Lookout 39(3) 38-40.
  • Dart, N.L., and G. A. Chastagner. 2006. Updates from WSU Phytophthora ramorum research and education program. B & B (Balls and Burlap): 58(12): 8-9.
  • Dart, Norman L., and Gary A. Chastagner. 2005. Washington State University’s P. ramorum Research and Outreach Program. B & B 58(2): 10-11.
  • Dart, Norman L., and Gary A. Chastagner. Research and Outreach: Essential Components to Managing and Monitoring for P. ramorum. Native Plant Society of Oregon Bulletin. September, 2006.
  • Chastagner, G. and J. Puffer. 2006. Clearing the field – The latest techniques in stump removal. American Christmas Tree Journal 50 (1): 12-14.
  • Ellen Goheen, Alan Kanaskie, Everett Hansen, Jennifer Parke, and Gary Chastagner.  2006. Sudden Oak Death and Phytophthora ramorum: A Guide for Forest Managers, Christmas Tree Growers, and Forest Tree Nursery Operators in Oregon and Washington. EM 8877, Oregon State University, 16 p.
  • Chastagner, Gary A., Norman Dart, and Kathy Riley. 2006. A Christmas Tree Grower’s Guide to Sudden Oak Death (Phytophthora ramorum). COMTF http://nature.berkeley.edu/comtf/