Betnings tolleranta träd

Ungulate browsing results in billions in losses to the forest sector annually and is the main hindrance to the establishment of broadleaves in large areas.

The project focuses on the identification of ungulate browsing tolerant genotypes of fast-growing broadleaves, i.e. aspen and birch, to with the goal to minimize the high costs (>7 billion SEK annually) spent on protection of trees during establishment and to meet the future demands for biomass production.

Basic research in the project will expand the understanding of tolerance strategies used by trees and growth-defense trade-offs to optimize plant fitness.

Applied research will explore the use Genome-Wide Assocation Study (GWAS) and  infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics to identify trait associated with browsing resistance.

The selection of tolerant  phenotypes based on data obtained from chemical fingerprinting has substantial potential to increase the cost-efficiency of breeding by expediting and increasing the intensity of the selection of superior genotypes and reducing the need for expensive field-testing.

The proposed project sets the foundation for a national research program in ungulate browsing resistance for fast-growing broadleaves and other economically and ecologically important forest tree species.