Prunus 102

According to a recent IBISWorld report, over 1.5 billion trees are produced and shipped annually in the United States. States within the Great Lakes Region (plus Kentucky and Tennessee) annually plant over 60 million trees from forest product nurseries (55 percent), private nurseries (22 percent), and state nurseries (21 percent). This market opportunity represents approximately $360 million in tree seedling/graft sales for this region. Currently, most private nurseries randomly collect seeds for seedling production with no regard to tree form or growth characteristics. Therefore, there is a great opportunity to improve quality of selected tree seedlings and grafts.

Researchers at Purdue University have provided improved genetics of the available black cherry trees for investment and quality purposes. Samples were collected from the best specimens throughout the United States and have been bred through each rotation. Only a small percentage of the trees go on to the next generation, which is expected to gradually increase year to year. These genetically superior trees will grow straighter, faster, and with less epitomic branches, resulting in a final product with higher quality marketable timber in less time. These results increase the chances for obtaining veneer grade lumber and high-quality trees desirable for landscaping.

There are multiple varieties of black cherry trees available.

Advantages:

-Trees will grow straighter, faster, and with less epitomic branches.

-Higher quality marketable timber in less time

-Improved aesthetics of trees desirable for landscaping

Potential Applications:

-Tree Production

-Tree Seedling/Graft Sales

TRL: 9

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: Sargent Cherry, Prunus sargentii, flowering tree, shade tree, street tree, ornamental fruit, cherry tree, USDA Hardiness Zone 4, Prunus, tree specimen, Agriculture, Black Cherry Trees, Plant Genetics, Trees