Advancing Forest Health: An Integrated Research Framework Centered on Trees, with a Focus on Black Ash and Butternut as a Proof of Concept

Funding period: 2024-2028
Leads: Daniel Doucet, Martin Williams 
Total GRDI funding: $523,512

The project objective is to develop a science-based approach to protect ecologically important and culturally significant North American ash species and butternut, which are threatened by climate change and invasive species. The emerald ash borer (EAB) and butternut canker disease (BCD) are major threats, with limited solutions for control. To protect these trees, strategies involving tree improvement and ex-situ conservation are crucial. The suggested approach includes identifying resistant trees through monitoring, characterizing host-pest interactions, and utilizing genome editing to create pest-resistant trees. It also focuses on understanding tree-pest interactions to speed up resistance screening and enhancing genetic diversity for adaptive capacity. Furthermore, rapid propagation techniques and genome editing, like CRISPR, will be explored. The project will also involve stakeholders and provide data for breeding, conservation, and pest resistance strategies. The overall goal is to safeguard these species through a tree-centered approach, combining science and community efforts.