News

Genetic diversity is a key element of biodiversity. In a new study, scientists from the Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics report the results of a genetic monitoring of two important tree species in Germany, European beech and Norway spruce.

Despite their ecological and economic relevance, very little is known about the natural genetic diversity of Scots pine forests in Germany. A new research project aims at closing this knowledge gap.

The regulation on deforestation-free supply chains (EU Regulation 2023/1115, known as EUDR) came into force on June 29, 2023 and replaces the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR). The Institute of Forest Genetics in Großhansdorf will support the implementation of the EUDR for wood products.

Once a year, the mathematical and scientific societies organise a parliamentary evening. On 14 November 2023, researchers from various disciplines discussed with members of the Bundestag. Thünen scientist Dr Tobias Brügmann reports on the event.

The past drought years have damaged European beech forests and even driven the species to its ecological limits in some regions. At the Scientific Conference on Beech, researchers presented and discussed the current state of knowledge on the future of beech in a changing climate.

Inspired by the COPYTREE research initiative (COST Action), researchers from the Institute of Forest Genetics and the Polish Dendrology Institute are networking in the field of biotechnology with important forest tree species.

The workshop "Seed Orchard Design" was held in Waldsieversdorf from 21-22.02.2023 to exchange international knowledge on seed orchard design. Highly effective algorithms for calculating plantation designs were presented.

In the new DFG-funded TaxGen project, the Thünen Institute for Forest Genetics, together with the DRESDEN-concept Genome Center, is investigating the genetic basis of sex determination in the dioecious conifer species European yew (Taxus baccata).

Although most plant species are hermaphrodites, the separation of the sexes (dioecy) evolved in many tree species and various crop plants. Nevertheless, the underlying genetic basis remains largely elusive. An international team led by the Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics showed that a single…