Chestnut Blight

Forest trees are living organisms and just like other living things their characteristics are controlled by genes. Forest genetics is the science and study of inheritance in trees. Tree improvement is the application of forest genetics to practice for the purpose of increasing the quality of forest trees.

Forest industry companies have cooperated with universities since the 1950s to do research to improve the genetic quality of tree planting stock. Much research in the genetics of conifers has been accomplished and not as much with hardwood species. Today, most of the reforestation done by industrial and private landowners utilizes “improved seedlings”.

One of the most famous tree genetics programs in the United States involves the American Chestnut tree. The chestnut tree once was a dominant tree in the eastern forests. F irst discovered in 1904 in New York City, the blight - an Asian fungus to which our native chestnuts had very little resistance - spread quickly. By 1950, except for root sprouts the species continually produces (and which also quickly become infected), the Chestnut had disappeared.

Explore the world of forest genetics and tree improvement by examining the links below.

Web Links:

The Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center

The Institute of Forest Genetics

The American Chestnut Foundation

Tree Improvement in Florida

North Carolina Cooperative Tree Improvement Program

Northwest Tree Improvement Cooperative