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

• Past research projects 

Contacts

• Contact the relevant Forestry Research Staff for further information.