Improve understanding of the causal agent(s) and contributing factors on vascular streak dieback (VSD) in redbud, as well as to improve diagnostic and detection methods for VSD, and to utilize this…

Tennessee State University's Research and Sponsored Programs Division received a $100,560 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025). The award, effective August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026, supports research to improve understanding of vascular streak dieback (VSD) disease in redbud plants, including identification of causal agents and contributing factors. The project will develop enhanced diagnostic and detection methods for VSD to enable the nursery industry to implement more effective management strategies.

This research initiative directly supports APHIS's mission to protect U.S. agriculture from economically injurious plant diseases that threaten regional and national agricultural resources. The cooperative agreement mechanism facilitates collaboration between the federal agency and the university to advance scientific discovery and provide applied solutions that benefit agricultural producers and the broader nursery industry sector in managing this plant health challenge.

Improve understanding of the causal agent(s) and contributing factors on vascular streak dieback (VSD) in redbud, as well as to improve diagnostic and detection methods for VSD, and to utilize this information to help the nursery industry improve VSD management strategies.