BFH-Institute of Forest Genetics and Forest Tree Breeding

Institute of Forest Genetics and Forest Tree Breeding Sieker Landstraße 2, 22927 Großhansdorf Tel. (04102) 696-0 FAX (04102) 696-200		Provenance Research and Tree Breeding Methods
		Ecological Genetics
		Resistance Research
		Genome Research
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Since January 1, 2008, the former "Institute of Forest Genetics and Forest Tree Breeding" is under the new name "Institute of Forest Genetics" one of 15 Institutes in the newly created Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries (vTI).

The Institute carries out research on genetics of indigenous and exotic tree and shrub species. It is focused on the conservation of forest genetic resources, biodiversity of forest ecosystems, resistance, tree breeding and bio-safety research for genetically modified forest plants. The research has the objective to conserve and develop the forest and to increase the multiple utilisation of forest ecosystems. The studies help to elaborate recommendations based on scientific knowledge for legislative and administrative tasks of the federal government. Furthermore the research aims to enlarge the scientific knowledge for public welfare.

The institute is involved in decision-making processes on national and international laws/regulations governing forest reproductive material and risk assessment and environmental compatibility of genetically modified forest trees. Moreover, the institute contributes to national and European initiatives on conservation of forest genetic resources and gives advices on forest genetic aspects of the convention on biodiversity (Rio de Janeiro 1992) and the protocol of Kyoto.

Focal points of the research are:

Evaluation, conservation and advancement of genetic variability on forest trees
Genetic basis of biodiversity in forest ecosystems
Sustainable use of forest genetic resources
Impact of biotic and a-biotic stress as well as climate change on resistance and adaptability of forest tree populations
Analysis and modelling the impact of anthropogenic factors on the genetic system of tree populations
Breeding research
Analysis of the genome of forest tree species
Research on bio-safety and risk assessment for genetically modified forest plants

The international scientific journal of forest genetics "SILVAE GENETICA", is edited at the institute.

Sections of the Institute for Forest Genetics and Forest Tree Breeding

The section Provenance Research and Tree Breeding Methods studies the variation of characters relevant for adaptation and economy in and between forest tree populations of indigenous and foreign origin. Additionally genetic structures of populations are analysed.

Tree breeding methods deals primarily with the adoption and modification of basic methods to forest trees and the assessment of possibilities and risks of the use of bred material.

Furthermore the section is involved in the evaluation and documentation of forest genetic resources.

The section Ecological Genetics carries out research on basic principles of genetics in forest ecosystems, especially on relations of genotypes and genetic structures of populations to natural and anthopogenic environmental factors as well as research on genetic biodiversity.

Ecological Genetics develops software in the field of population genetics and data analysis (EcoGene, CoTrix, SGS).

In the section Resistance Research the basics of interrelations are investigated between host and pathogens, the mechanisms of resistance and their genetic determination. Gain of the work gives insights into the influence of populations of pathogens on the stability of forest tree species and stands and the following changes of competition within the forest ecosystems. Special focus is given to the influence of climatic factors and further anthropogenic disturbances to forest condition.

In the Section Genome Research connections are examined between the genome structure of forest trees and the conversion of the information stored in the genomes as a function of environmental factors. In particular economically important traits and traits relevant to adaptation are analyzed in view of geographic variation patterns. Besides, molecular markers are developed for evaluation of forest genetic resources as well as to the practical application for marker-supported selections and forensic applications. For the protection of forest ecosystems the biological bio-safety research is applied to estimate use and risks of genetic-engineered trees. Further methods are compiled to detect genetic-engineered changes in wood, so that the protection of the consumer can be improved.