Backcross: How Do You Breed Better Trees?

Tree species restoration—especially with species that are threatened with extinction—isn't even on the table unless you have resistant planting stock. But, trees live on another timescale than humans—a much longer one. And, to be a geneticist, to breed, your job is to infiltrate that timeline, and to understand it. By understanding that timeline, you can begin to fiddle with it, fiddle with time, and with the future. The future of that plant, but also the future of our planet. Genetics allow us to make better trees, make a better world, and do it all by fooling our forests.

Related Research:

• "The Evolution of Forest Genetics and Tree Improvement Research in the United States” (2015)
• “Institute of Forest Tree Breeding: Improvement and Gene Conservation of Iconic Tree Species in the 21st Century” (2017)
• “Breeding Trees Resistant to Insects and Diseases: Putting Theory into Application” (2017)
• “Common Misconceptions About Forest Tree Breeding, A Valuable Tool For Addressing Forest Health Issues” (2020)
• “Breeding for Resistance to Tree Pests: Successes, Challenges, and a Guide to the Future” (2021)
• “Restoration of Landscapes and Habitats Affected by Established Invasive Species” (2021)

Scientists:

• Jennifer Koch, Research Biologist, Northern Research Station, Delaware, Ohio

Produced by the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station.

Want more information? Visit us at https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/nrs/products/multimedia/podcasts/forestcast-season-2-backcross-episode-2-how-do-you-breed-better

Questions or ideas for the show? Connect with Jon at: jonathan.yales@usda.gov