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.

See our Booklet from our Forest Research Day in Teagasc Oak Park, in July 2024

Overview of current Teagasc forestry research projects:

Tree Improvement/ 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 – including details on how to report a healthy ash tree.
• 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.
• NATSEED – Studying the seed sources of a selection of native Irish trees and identifying gaps in supply to plant for the future

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.