Forestry Research
Teagasc research focuses on the management of broadleaves and conifers, tree improvement, site classification and forest policy.
Teagasc forestry research covers many aspects of the life cycle of a forest from seedling to sawdust. Research is carried out in Teagasc research centres in state-of-the-art laboratories and growing facilities and on privately owned farm forests throughout Ireland.
Teagasc strives to deliver science-based innovation, significantly benefiting our advisory and training services. It allows for rapid and effective knowledge transfer.
Overview of current Teagasc forestry research projects:
Tree Breeding / Genetics
- AshforFuture - Breeding Fraxinus excelsior (Common or European ash) for dieback disease tolerance to conserve and re-establish ash on the island of Ireland
- Ash resistance to ash dieback - Development of ash tree genetic resources with resistance to ash dieback
- Irish Birch and Alder Improvement Programme - Improving the genetic quality of native birch and alder
- Fit Forests Project - The response of tree species to climate change
- GENESIS Project - Genomic evaluation for the sustainable improvement of Sitka spruce
- BroadGen Project - Studying the genetic diversity and resilience of commercially important broadleaved tree species in Ireland
- ExAl Project - Exploring the microbiome of alder trees and its associated rhizosphere to identify potential bio-agents and improve disease tolerance against the root rot pathogen Phytophthora alni.
- ADAPTForRes Research Project - Adaptation, mitigation and protection strategies to increase resilience of Irish forests to impacts of climate change.
- ElmAsh Research Project - Investigating rapid multiplication techniques and the microbiome of Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), along with the genetic conservation of Wych elm (Ulmus glabra) to breed disease-resistant genotypes.
Silviculture / Management
- Broadleaf Silviculture Project - Investigating the establishment and management of broadleaf crops
- TranSSFor Project - Transformation of Sitka spruce stands to Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF)
- ContinuFOR Project - Transformation of Sitka spruce stands to Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF): Synergies and Trade-offs
- Ash restructuring - Group selection and underplanting of ash stands to mitigate ash dieback
- Thinning in Sitka and Norway spruce crops - Thinning to improve profitability and timber quality in Sitka and Norway spruce crops
- Small Woodlands on Farms - Review of trees and small woodlands on dairy and drystock farms
Overview of past Teagasc forestry research projects
Contacts
- Contact the relevant Forestry Research Staff for further information.