Genetic Markers Being Used to Help Save Ash Trees From Deadly Disease

In the United Kingdom, Queen Mary University of London, University of York, Earlham Institute, John Innes Centre, NIAB and the University of Copenhagen collaborated on a large research project to study genetic markers for ash trees that are disease tolerant. Ash trees have been combatting an aggressive fungal infection, called ash dieback, which if successful can decimate 90% of Europe’ ash trees as the disease has no cure and spreads easily via wind or by moving infected saplings around. Researchers sequenced 37 trees from all around Europe to look at the ash tree genetic diversity and to find genetic traits that withstand the disease. Identifying genetic markers that help ash trees fight the disease can help breed varieties that can withstand outbreaks and help the species to survive.