EMR to screen UK ash populations for genetic resistance to dieback disease

East Malling Research (EMR) in Kent is searching for genetic resistance in Ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior).

East Malling Research (EMR) in Kent is searching for genetic resistance in Ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior). The £100k science contract is announced today, by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, as part of the Nornex project – a £2.4M research initiative looking to address the Ash dieback disease with threatens to devastate ash tree populations and radically alter the composition of UK woodlands.

The East Malling Trust hosts an important diversity collection of ash material, gathered from across the UK as part of a legacy broadleaf research and improvement programme, carried out at East Malling Research, which also involved collaborations with Forest Research, Future Trees Trust, Earth Trust and others.

This diverse material, representing the majority of UK ash populations, will now be screened for resistance to the ash-dieback fungus to identify rapidly potential sources of resistant material.

“The early identification of resistant ash trees of UK provenance is important if genetic diversity is to be preserved in the natural landscape,” commented EMR Tree Geneticist, Dr Richard Harrison. He added, “This material can then be traced back to source populations to identify further resistant trees which could be used in future conservation efforts and tree improvement programmes.”

As a valuable species for UK forestry, it is also important to identify resistant ash trees that can continue to be grown for a variety of commercial uses.

Work at East Malling Research will be carried out by Dr Robert Saville, plant pathologist, Dr Richard Harrison, geneticist and Karen Russell, broadleaf breeder and forestry consultant.