AshForFuture PROJECT

Investigating adaptive genetic variation and phenotypic tolerance to ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) in European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) to support resilient breeding and restoration programmes. 

Building the evidence base on the genetic pathway to tolerant ash trees

Ash dieback disease is a serious infection of ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. The first confirmed report of ash dieback disease on the island of Ireland was in 2012, Ash dieback disease is now present in every county in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.

AFBI’s contribution to the AshForFuture project is focused on improving understanding of the genetic basis of greater tolerance to ash dieback in ash trees.
Breeding for high tolerance is feasible, and research elsewhere suggests that healthy trees can be produced by conventional breeding for a high level of disease tolerance, provided a stepwise approach is adopted with a long-term commitment to selection and field screening.

The research is investigating how environmental conditions and inherited variation influence ash health and disease response. It also involves identifying potentially tolerant parent trees within heavily infected plantations in Northern Ireland and assessing traits linked to disease tolerance in selected trees. 
By strengthening the scientific evidence base around natural variation in disease response, AshForFuture aims to support future ash conservation, recovery and resilience. 

AFBI’s work on the project also includes publication of research findings, knowledge transfer activities, and collaboration with others working in related areas of forestry and environmental science.

What AshForFuture is doing

AFBI’s work within AshForFuture includes

• Investigating environmental conditions linked to adaptive genetic variation in ash populations.
• Identifying potentially tolerant parent trees in heavily infected plantations in Northern Ireland.
• Assessing inherited phenotypic traits associated with disease response Generating scientific evidence to inform future ash resilience and recovery strategies.
• Sharing findings through publications, reports, conferences and collaborative knowledge exchange. 
   

Why this matters

Ash is an ecologically, culturally and visually important tree species in our landscapes. Improving understanding of why some trees show greater tolerance to ash dieback is important for informing long-term conservation and restoration approaches. In the longer term, this work will help support research, management and decision-making on ash resilience. 

AFBI Project contacts:

Dr Rodrigo Olave
Dr William O’Neill

AFBI is collaborating with Teagasc as part of the wider AshForFuture initiative.
Further information is available on the Teagasc AshForFuture webpage.