Institute of

FG Forest Genetics

Completed projects

Activation tagging 2

Molecular Analysis of activation-tagged Aspen-Populus Variants II.

Activation tagging in poplar

Isolation of tree-specific genes using a transposon-tagging approach.

Adaptibility and growth under climate change of provenances of Scots pine

In the frame of this research the growth reaction of provenances of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) to drought events at different are investigated

Assessment of Norway maple

Norway Maple is a native tree species in Central Europe and Germany. However, the species has so far only a minor role in forestry. Better knowledge of adaptability and suitability of different provenances of Norway maple can help to improve the potential of the species in forestry.

Beech provenances

An international network to establish a series of provenance trials with European beech was created to evaluate the genetic variation of beech.

Beech seeds

Biosafety of transgenic trees

Targeted gene transfer and biosafety in forest trees.

Breeding new energy poplar varieties by biotechnology

ZÜEND: Breeding new energy poplar varieties for Germany.

Breeding of new willow clones for short rotation plantations

Intra- and interspecific breeding of willow with the objective to get new productive clones for short rotation coppice with resistance to willow rust and drought stress tolerance.

BucheTIG - Genetics and dendro-ecology of European beech

European beech is Germany's most important deciduous tree species, both economically and ecologically. Due to this status, it is of great interests to study the species' adaptedness and adaptive potential.

ChitoPop

Improvement of poplar pathogen response und mycorrhization by modification of LysM proteins

Clones of silver birch and black locust with high quality

Selection of clones of silver birch and black locust with outstanding wood quality.

Cost-Biosavety

Biosafety of forest transgenic trees: improving the scientific basis for safe tree development and implementation of EU policy directives (Cost-Biosafety).

Development of scientific databases

New sample data as well as phenotypic and genotypic data of related trees will be integrated in an existing sample database and the user interface will be extended by new functionalities.

DNA-based identification of white oak species and geographic origin (DBU)

DNA-based identification of white oak's species and geographic origin (section Quercus).

DNA-free Genome-Editing in poplar

Development of a DNA-free genome editing system in poplar by transient Cas9/gRNA plasmid and ribonucleinprotein transfer into protoplasts and germinating pollen

Drought in Norway Spruce

Drought risk and adaptive potential of different Norway spruce populations

Endophytes

The application of endophytic bacteria to improve stability and vitality of poplar plants to increase biomass generation in fast growth plantations; (Endophyten II).

FastWOOD III

Breeding of fast-growing varieties of the genus Populus, Robinia, and Salix for the production of renewable resources in short rotation coppice plantations.

FitForClim

Procurement of highly-productive and suitable forest reproductive material for future forests under climate change.

Flowercrop

Development of an early flowering system for poplar breeding and biosafety research.

ForGer

Towards the Sustainable Management of Forest Genetic Resources in Europe (ForGer).

FraxGen

Preservation of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) through selection, characterisation and conservation of vital plus-trees and analyses of the genetic basis of tolerance against ash dieback.

FraxProMic

Analyses of the microbiome for identification and selection of potential antagonists and their evaluation in planta against the causative agent of ash dieback

GBOLII-rusts

Determination of rusts on woody plants by barcoding as part of the joint project GBOLII (German Barcode of Life)

Genetic inventories of forest trees in Germany

The German National Forst Inventory provides an overview about the status of forests in Germany. Additional genetic inventories will help us to improve our understanding of the current status of our forests and their development over time.

GenMon

A genetic monitoring network will be installed for beech and fir in Germany for the first time. The main goal is to assess the status of the genetic system of different populations as well as its dynamics in time and space.

GTTN II

The Global Timber Tracking Network will promote the operationalization of innovative tools for wood identification and origin determination, to assist the fight against illegal logging and related trade worldwide.

High value timbers

The aim of the joint project is to increase the value-added potential of European commercial tree species. To this end, methods are to be developed that contribute to the conservation, propagation and utilization of trees with special wood structures.

Identification of timber origin for Larch and oaks

US-Russia-Germany Research Program to Support a Robust and Reliable Timber Supply with Genetic Verification.

Improving eucalypt and poplar wood properties

Improving eucalypt and poplar wood properties for bioenergy (TreeForJoules).

Indigenous shrubs

Checking the possibilities to identify the origin of shrubs by chloroplast DNA

Inka-BB

Longterm studies in Brandenburg have shown Robinia with respect to growth potential especially suitable for drought exposed sites.

Intensification of wood production in short rotation coppices

Intensification of wood production in short rotation coppices (SRC) by implementing fast growing varieties and irrigation.

Investigation of the clone by site interactions

Investigation of the clone by site interactions of poplar and willow on agricultural sites throughout Germany.

LargeScale

Large scale project on genetic timber verification.

Maple Trees

Development of biotechnological methods for the identification, conservation, propagation and use of selected maple trees with wavy grain for timber production

Marker for gender in aspen

Development of markers for sex-specific genes of poplars to be used alternately for the establishment of sterilities.

MaRussiA (Gene Marker for Aspen in Russia)

Raising the Productivity, Resistance and Adaptability in Poplar - Gene Markers for Aspen in Russia.

Methyl salicylate in Birch (Birch-MeSA)

In the project, the variations of the methyl salicylate content between different birch species are investigated but also within the species as a function of the stage of development, the plant tissue (bark, leaves) and the season.

Mixoploids

Physiological investigations on photosynthetic capacity and water use efficiency of poplar clones of different ploidy. (Mixoploide).

Mycotoxin producing fungi

Investigation of PF1022A producing microorganisms living as saprophytes and endophytes in broadleaved and conifer forest trees.

Oak defence

Development of biomarkers for monitoring pest-tolerant oaks in different climates

Origin

A new test approach to identify the origin of forest reproductive material in Europe

Pelleting of aspen seeds

Pelleting of aspen seeds aimed at improvement of sowing technology and suitability for storage.

PhytoUlmus

The Occurrence and Distribution of the Quarantine Pest Organism Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi in Elm Species in Germany

Poplar dioecy

Dioecy and the associated sex chromosomes can play a crucial role for the biology and the breeding of a species. We want to elucidate the genetic basis and the evolution of the sex chromosomes in poplar.

Poplar genotyping

Genetic identification in the genus Populus L. with nuclear microsatellite markers.

PopMass

Development and use of novel gene technologies to increase biomass yield in the woody perennial Populus spec.

Priming: an alternative strategy for faster resistance induction in forest tree species

“Priming” allows resistance induction without use of repeated crossing cycles and no changes in the genomic constitution are required. Hence, this method represents a strategy for improving performance of valuable so-called plus trees.

ResEsche

Conservation of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior by establishment of a seed orchard with clones with resistance against ash dieback; Sub-project 2: Phytopathological and gentical characterisation and vegetative propagation of healthy plus trees

RubraSelect - Growth of red oak origins

The red oak (Quercus rubra L.), which originates from North America, is the most common foreign deciduous tree species in Germany. Due to its high growth potential and diverse wood utilization, it is one of the potential alternative tree species in times of climate change.

Selection of drought tolerant Robinia pseudoacaia from international sources for energy production

Aim of the project is the selection of genotypes of black locus (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), suitable for the production of woody biomass on dry sites in Germany.

SNP-Poplar

SNP-diagnosis of breeding-relevant properties in Salicaceae.

Species identification and timber tracking system in Africa with DNA fingerprints and stable isotopes in Africa

Development and implementation of a species identification and timber tracking system in Africa with DNA fingerprints and stable isotopes in Africa.

SpeedBreed

Induction of early flowering in poplar and apple to speed up breeding for resistance to diseases.

Studies on stability, growth and diversity of progenies of crosses from selected tree species

Studies on stability, growth and diversity of progenies of crosses from selected tree species under various climatic and edaphic conditions.

Survivor-Oaks

Adaptation potential of oaks to biotic and abiotic stress in the context of climate change

Test of progenies of a F1 seed orchard with hybrid larch

How do progenies of hybrid larch perform? This problem is to be analysed due to progeny testing of single clones of hybrid larch.

Testing of clones of poplar and willow for production of energy wood in short rotation coppice

The Thuenen Institute of Forest Genetics owns a large collection of clones of the genus Populus and Salix. The suitability for short rotation coppice purposes of these clones will be tested under special consideration of rust resistance.