Canal-U

[COLLOQUE] GENTREE Final Conference 27-31 January 2020 séance 22

GENTREE Final Conference :

Erik KJAER - University of Copenhagen · Denmark

GENTREE Final Conference 'Genetics to the rescue - managing forests sustainably in a changing environment'

27-31 January 2020, Avignon, France

http://www.gentree-h2020.eu/

Erik KJAER - University of Copenhagen · Denmark : Breeding of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) in the face of ash dieback

The emerging pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus has caused severe mortality and health decline of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) across Europe.

However, genetic variation in susceptibility to the disease has been observed in several countries.

In Denmark, the observation in 2010 lead to initiation of breeding activities with the objective to restore the health of ash trees based on natural genetic variation.

The work has involved screening of ash stands and selection of healthy trees, selection in existing seed orchards, establishment of new seed orchards, controlled crosses of tolerant trees and establishment of progeny trials.

The work has also included various supportive research to understand the host-pathogen interaction.

Based on findings from this work, we discuss from a general perspective how and if breeding activities based on evolutionary approaches can improve the ability to handle emerging infectious diseases.