Tree Breeding

Featured Publications

Highlighted Project

Graph image showing research using evaluation tool for precision growth and yield modeling.

This project has three objectives. HTIRC is working on objective two which focuses on developing an image pre-processing method to remove artifacts such as saw marks and other noise, and on developing novel image analysis techniques to calculate log cross-section maximum, minimum, and average diameter . . . Read More

Affiliated Scientists

Rado Gazo, Professor, Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University (gazo@purdue.edu)
Bedrich Benes, Professor, Computer Graphics and Computer Science, Purdue University
Songlin Fei, Professor, Forestry and Natural Resources Purdue University

Coming soon.

Genetics and Genomics

Featured Publications

Highlighted Project

Students measuring tree trunk at FNR property, research includes genotype and chemotype based methods.

The focus of this work is to investigate the genetic mechanisms by which key aspects of tree growth and development are controlled at the molecular level. Our primary goal is to add value to fine hardwood tree species by genetically engineering them to express genes that impart commercially and environmentally beneficial traits.

Active research projects include efforts to insert genes that affect the onset of maturation and the production of flowers, insect resistance, and herbicide tolerance, among others. Researchers are also trying to identify genes that regulate the transition from sapwood to heartwood and the formation of figured wood, which is highly valued but rarely occurs in nature…. Read More

Affiliated Scientists

Keith Woeste, Molecular Geneticist and Project Leader, USDA Forest Service, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University (keith.woeste@usda.gov)
Richard Cronn, Research Geneticist, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Corvallis, OR
Denita Hadziabdic, Assistant Professor, Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee
Mo Zhou, Assistant Professor, Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University
James Warren, Biological Scientist, USDA Forest Service

Coming soon.

Forest Ecology & Silviculture

Featured Publications

Highlighted Project

Forest

Forest ecology research focuses on the interactions between disturbance and abiotic factors and their influence on ecosystem structure and function. Current research projects include exotic disease effects on nutrient cycling, invasion dynamics of exotic plants following the restoration of native disturbance regimes, and modeling the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors on IES invasion. Research on host colonization and mating behaviors of wood boring beetles will improving methods for detecting invasive species to improve the health, quality, and productivity of hardwood forests. Silvicultural research focuses on improvement of growth and yields within intensively… Read More

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Regeneration & Restoration

Featured Publications

Highlighted Project

Field

Research is focused on factors that will optimize performance of seedlings from the nursery through establishment in the field. Plant mineral nutrition, cold hardiness, stress resistance, dormancy, and drought resistance are areas of research designed to create hardier and more tolerant seedlings. After establishment in the field, studies focus on planting design, fertilization, and browse and vegetative control. Improvements in this process will lower mortality and accelerate growth, allowing more successful stand establishment. A set of management guides to transfer this research into practical field applications was developed….Read More

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Digital Forestry

Featured Publications

Highlighted Project

Digital Forestry Analysis

Researchers are working towards developing platforms and strategies that leverage digital technology to measuremonitor and manage urban and rural forests to maximize social, economic and ecological benefits. At Purdue University the Integrated Digital Forestry Initiative (IDiF) brings together a multidisciplinary research team to revolutionize forestry with an effective digital system for precision forest management and build a globally competitive next generation workforce for the information age. More information can be found at https://purdue.ag/digitalforestry….Read More

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