TBA (last known deadline was March 1, 2012)
The research committee is interested in the following issues of both practical and theoretical value to rhododendron growers: (1) Physiological and genetic factors affecting tolerance of rhododendrons to heat, cold, drought, insects, and diseases. Why are some rhododendrons more susceptible than others? How do we use this information to breed more tolerant rhododendrons? (2) What can be done to counteract the intolerance of current rhododendrons to various adverse factors, such as powdery mildew and petal blight? Are there chemical or biological control agents that are effective against these pathogens? (3) Plant exploration in the U.S., the dissemination of new plant germplasm found, and the maintenance of such new germplasm. (4) Polyploidy and aneuploidy in hybrid rhododendrons; chromosome numbers (different from 2N=26) in Rhododendron species.