WSU scientist’s species discovery helps save colorful peony from ugly disease
Student researcher Andrea Garfinkel, right, chats with a farm worker in a Netherlands peony field during a 2015 visit. For the past three years, Garfinkel has researched diseases of peonies, discovering multiple new species of the Botrytis pathogen.
A symbol of good fortune and happy marriage, the peony has been a beloved centerpiece of floral arrangements and wedding bouquets for hundreds of years.
Pacific Northwest farmers have found success growing these bountiful blooms for a thriving global market. But they’re held back by a … » More …