‘Future Direction of USDA Forest Service Research

A. D. Wilson The USDA Forest Service has been involved in Texas oak wilt research since 1976. Despite research successes, there are still many important research areas that have not been addressed or sufficiently investigated to answer the key questions required for making sound disease management decisions. Some of the priority areas planned for future research by the Southern Hardwoods Laboratory include; epidemiology, reforestation (regeneration), chemical control, biological control , t renching, disease physiology, host resistance, sanitat ion, and early diagnosis. Each of these topics will be prioritized based on present and expected future management needs and categorized into short-term and long-term study plans for achieving research goals. Details of research emphasis are presented for some of these topics that will be addressed in future oak wilt research by the Southern Station.