Unveiling Vascular Streak Dieback: Insights, Surveys, and Solutions

Jennifer Gray • April 16, 2024

This webinar dives into the emerging nursery problem of Vascular Streak Dieback (VSD). In this session, experts will provide a comprehensive overview, sharing insights gleaned from surveys, research updates, and practical management strategies. From understanding the timeline of recognition to discussing the fungus associated with VSD, its range of hosts, and symptoms, our speakers will cover it all. Delve into the latest research findings on identifying causal agents, fungicide efficacy trials, and cultivar screening. Whether you're a nursery owner, researcher, or simply interested in plant health, this webinar offers valuable knowledge and a platform for addressing your queries. Join us as we tackle VSD head-on and explore effective management approaches to safeguard woody ornamentals.

VSD: Introduction to an emerging nursery problem

Discover the timeline of VSD in North America, the fungus associated with VSD, the range of plant hosts on which it has been found, internal and external symptoms, and look-alike diseases.

Devin Bily



VSD of Woody Ornamentals in Virginia

The presentation will discuss the results of the two-year survey conducted by VDACS, and symptoms associated with plants that tested positive for C. theobromae.

Katy Kilbourne


Multi-State VSD survey

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has partnered with several states for a cooperative VSD nursery and environs survey. Identification of this pest within the plant trade assists with keeping populations geographically confined and determining population density and host range.

Fulya Baysal-Gurel


VSD Research Update

VSD is an emerging is an emerging threat to the woody ornamental industry. This session addresses the research updates regarding identification of the causal agent/s of the VSD, fungicide efficacy trials and redbud cultivar screening. Finally, best management practices for VSD will be discussed


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A Biological Plot Twist: Can an Adventive Parasitoid Protect Boxwood?

By Jen Gray • August 12, 2026
CABI and USDA APHIS are collaborating on the biological control of the box tree moth using parasitoids from Asia. Several parasitoid species are currently under consideration for introduction into North America and Europe. One of these parasitoids arrived in Europe on its own and has begun controlling the moth on both planted trees and in wild boxwood stands. The webinar will describe the spread and impact of this adventive parasitoid in Europe and present efforts to assess the potential of this species and others as biological control agents in North America.
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HRI Leadership Academy Selects Class of 2027

By Jennifer Gray • June 30, 2026
Meet the HRI Leadership Academy Class of 2027. This intensive year-long program equips green industry leaders with strategic insight and business acumen.
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Empowering Specialty Crop Growers with Data-Driven Decision Tools: The HortCalculator

By Jennifer Gray • June 17, 2026
This session will introduce the HortCalculator, an online decision-support tool designed to help ornamental growers translate farm-level data into actionable financial insights. The tool generates clear analyses of profitability, breakeven points, and return on investment, giving growers confidence to evaluate sustainable production practices and new technologies. By linking financial literacy with production decisions, the HortCalculator helps growers balance profitability and sustainability, strengthening resilience in ornamental horticulture systems. The session will highlight practical applications for nursery, greenhouse, and specialty crop operations, while also exploring opportunities for research, education, and industry partnerships to scale the tool across crops and regions.
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