HTIRC

Latest News

Seed Propagation Protocol for Pure and Hybrid Butternut (Juglans cinerea L.)

Butternut (Juglans cinerea L.) is a native, eastern North American hardwood tree with economic and ecological value. It is severely threatened by butternut canker disease, which is rapidly killing the species range-wide. Hybrids of butternut and butternut canker-resistant Japanese walnut (Juglans ailantifolia Carr.) have been proposed as an alternative to planting pure butternut. Information on pure and hybrid butternut seed harvest, preparation, stratification, germination, planting, and initial seedling care is lacking. Methods and results are described from a project growing these species at Purdue University, forming a seed propagation protocol for the species. Germination was first observed 14 days after stratification. After 17 days, 64 percent of seeds germinated using the current method. Alternate methods to those used in this project are provided when possible, so growers can tailor protocols at different scales. Click here for more.

HTIRC 2019 Annual Report

The Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC) was conceived in 1998 to address a perceived void in hardwood tree improvement research in the Central Hardwood Forest Region (CHFR) and is committed to enhancing the productivity and quality of CHFR trees and forests for the economic and environmental benefits they provide. Scientists at the HTIRC are using conventional tree improvement breeding as well as molecular and genetic technologies to improve the wood quality, growth characteristics, and insect and disease resistance of trees like black walnut, black cherry, red and white oaks, butternut and American chestnut. Research in tree breeding, tree nursery practices, tree plantation establishment and management, and Central Hardwoods silvicultural systems is aimed at increasing the regeneration success rate for high quality hardwood trees and forests. Click here for more.