By means of a continually developed Germany-wide network of over five hundred field trials, we test on a long-term basis the growth potential and resistance of differing seed sources of the predominant tree species in Germany. Under controlled conditions in greenhouses and climate chambers we additionally test different resistance characteristics of affected tree species against novel pathogenic agents.

Generation cycles of trees vary from 5 to 40 years depending on the species. Their genetic improvement takes much longer than in the mostly annual plants cultivated in agriculture. There are therefore no private investors in this field. However, breeding is a means by which growth potential and resistance as well as wood quality can be raised considerably in trees. Jointly with the research institutions of the Länder we carry out publically funded improvement programs. Furthermore, we investigate the potentials and risks of implementing biotechnology in trees.

Our field trials and tree breeding research have required long range continuity. We shall be engaged in this research also in the future. We develop standards for subsequent application in other research institutions. The results from provenance trials, which also consider aspects of climate change, lead into recommendations for politicians, funding guidelines, and silvicultural management recommendations. Some of the field trials are being used for the approval of high value reproductive material of the category” Tested“. The basic material required to produce reproductive material, is provided to nurseries and in-vitro-labs for marketing against licenses or royalties.

In the area of genomic research and genetic inventories we go through fast technological progress. While ten years ago it was only possible to study a few gene regions, one can now analyze hundreds of genes simultaneously or even whole genomes. We shall extend in the next years the development and application of gene markers and DNA-sequence data considerably, especially for the application in international timber tracking research.

That we today occupy a prominent place in international research results from the continuing development of a worldwide infrastructure of trials in forests und a network of partnering labs. We represent Germany in the European Forest Genetic Resources Network (EUFORGEN) and edit the forest genetics journal ”Silvae Genetica“.