Provenance Research – the Backbone of Tree Improvement

Dossier

Most tree species are distributed over wide ranges of land, covering different site conditions. With the adaptation to these differing sites, genetic variation evolves between populations. The knowledge about local adaptation is important to identify well performing species and also populations and provenances resistant against diseases and environmental influences.

At the Thünen-Institute for Forest Genetics we test the suitability and adaptability of numerous broadleaved and coniferous forest tree species in provenance trials. The predicted climate change gives this research a new dimension. There are large gaps in knowledge in estimating the role genetic differences play in the degree of adaptation to differing site conditions and how rapidly populations are able to adapt to them.

The investigations are connected with the legal regulations for procurement, trade, deployment, and nursing, as well as the use of forest reproductive materials.

Background

Field trials in Germany and Europe

The Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics maintains more than 500 field trial sites in Germany and Europe. These trials are used to test the suitability of trees of different provenances and different families.

Expertise

Sechs Baumarten rücken künftig in den Fokus der Züchtung (©  Thünen-Institut/Michael Welling)

Tree Breeding Strategy Developed – a Tool for Political Decisions

Forest tree breeding can only be successful in Germany if all involved institutions cooperate and share in the task. Future tree breeding will focus on six tree species or species groups.

Scots pine and beech: How do different provenances respond to drought?

When summers become dryer due to climate change, trees are also increasingly stressed. Forest researchers are testing the suitability of different pine and beech provenances with differing approaches.

Growth of six beech provenances in Schleswig-Holstein

A comparison of six beech provenance originating from cold and warm areas, respectively, leads to surprising results.

Transfer of Forest Reproductive Material within Europe – What do we know?

In several European countries considerable amounts of non-adapted reproductive material is still being used. This can lead to high mortality rates and poor growth performance.

American and European Red Oak Provenances in Germany

In field trials at various sites in Germany, the European origins of red oak showed better growth performance than provenances of American origin. This is significant for future afforestation.

Breeding of Hybrid Larch – an Example for Successful Forest Tree Breeding?

Naturally occurring hybrids of European and Japanese larch show exceptionally high wood production. This has led to successful breeding programs. Shortcomings exist in the practical implementation.

Contact

Provenance Research – the Backbone of Tree Improvement

Dossier

Background

Expertise