Research in Forest Genetic Resources

We study genetics of selected species across a number of genera. Our research focus is dynamic adaptation to novel biotic and abiotic growth conditions, and we study genetic structures and processes at various hierarchical levels: between individuals, populations, ecotypes and species.

Often projects combine elements of floristic registrations, taxonomi, ecophysiological tests, field trials and DNA analysis.

The genera we study at the moment are: Abies, Acacia, Acer, Adansonia, Allanblackia, Azadirachta, Betula, Corylus, Cornus, Crataegus, Dalbergia, Fagus, Fraxinus, Gmelina, Jatropha, Larix, Malus, Parkia, Picea, Pinus, Prunus, Prosopis, Pseudotsuga, Quercus, Rosa, Tectona, Tilia, Ulmus, og Vitellaria.

Research in tropical species is done in collaboration with partners from multiple countries including Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

Our main research questions are:

Which species and seed sources are suitable given specific growth conditions and planting objectives?

How and how much can productivity of trees be improved and carbon stock increased by use of superior genetic resources?

How can resistance breeding and genetic management contribute to protection of Fraxinus excelsior against Novel Ash Dieback caused by Hymenoscyphus psedoalbidus?

How can research support sustainable use and protection of valuable Dalbergia species?

How can genetic quality and geographic origin be tested by DNA analysis?

How will natural distributions of species and ecosystems become influenced by climate change?

How are genetic structures and processes influenced by human interventions? With which implications?

How fast can tree species adapt to new climatic conditions, and how fine-scaled adaptive patterns can be observed for species with contrasting life history traits?