21/04/2026
What if the key to more resilient forests lies in the genetic differences between trees? 🌱
Forests in Sweden face growing challenges, with many landscapes dominated by a few conifer species. This makes them more vulnerable to climate change, pests, and other disturbances.
A new research project at Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, led by postdoctoral researcher Sara González Orenga, is exploring how genetic variation in European aspen and silver birch can be used to strengthen forest resilience.
Not all trees respond the same way to stress. Some clones recover quickly after browsing by animals like moose and deer, while others struggle to regrow. By identifying these differences, researchers aim to find tree material that combines strong growth with natural tolerance to damage.
The project moves from greenhouse experiments to field trials to test whether these traits hold under real conditions—bringing research one step closer to practical forestry applications.
🔗 Read more: https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/04/genetic-variation-in-aspen-and-birch-may-support-more-sustainable-forestry/
📸 Tashina Alavi
