Tree Breeding

Through genetics and classical tree breeding researchers are working to influence the quality of hardwood trees by developing populations with superior growth and timber characteristics, including straighter boles and reduced branching. Resistance to insects and diseases and other stressors is also an important trait for hardwood species. Research focus is on black walnut, black cherry, white and red oak for quality and growth improvement, black walnut for resistance to thousand cankers disease, butternut for resistance to butternut canker, and American chestnut for resistance to chestnut blight.

Affiliated Scientists

Jim McKenna, Dr. Carrie Pike, Jim Warren, Dr. Keith Woeste

Featured Publications

• Propagating figured wood in black walnut. 2015. McKenna, J.R., Geyer, W.A., Woeste, K.E., and Cassens, D.L. Open Journal of Forestry 5:518-525.
• Stock quality of black walnut (Juglans Nigra) seedlings as affected by half-sib seed source and nursery sowing density. 2006. Jacobs, D.F., Woeste, K..E., Wilson, B.C., and McKenna, J.R. Proc. Vth Int. Walnut Symp. Eds. M.E. Malvolti and D. Avanzato. Acta Hort. 705.