Forestry Genomics

Dr. Jeanne Romero-Severson

The native hardwoods of the Northeast and Midwest have arisen in naturally regenerated woodlots and forests under limited or no management. Damage from exotic pests and diseases, overgrazing, and fire suppression results in unfavorable conditions for continued natural regeneration. Moreover, little is known about the genetic structure of native hardwood species and the influence of genetics on tree growth, pest resistance, and wood quality traits.

The forestry genomics program focuses on three hardwood species:

• Northern red oak (Quercus rubra),
• Black cherry (Prunus serotina), and
• Black walnut (Juglans niger).

In cooperation with the HTIRC, we are developing DNA markers for each species. These markers will permit us to generate genetic maps and detect the genetic structure and degree of relatedness within and among different stands. Comparison of the genetic structure of populations of different ages will permit us to detect changes in gene frequencies due to intensive logging, deer predation and other factors. Study of chloroplast DNA markers will help us to identify regions of local adaptation.

As part of a long-term project, we are developing segregating populations to detect and investigate the genes that confer specific heartwood colors in oak and cherry. We will also use these and other populations to detect genes that confer resistance to specific pests. Elucidation of genetic mechanisms will enable us to select the most adapted genotypes for assisted natural regeneration, tree plantations and agroforestry systems.

This tree regeneration and improvement effort is an integrated, interdisciplinary program that includes scientists specializing in genetics, statistics, plant breeding, molecular biology, tissue culture,
biochemistry, and silviculture.