Genome-Guided Conservation for Climate Resilience in the Blight Resistant American Chestnut Population
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Organization
The American Chestnut Foundation
Award Date
Award Amount
19,441
Program Name
Flash Grant
Program Category
Research and Equipment Support
Principal Investigator
Jared Westbrook
Fiscal Year
2022
Region
Western
Project Description:
A fungal blight decimated American chestnut trees a century ago. A genetically engineered blight-resistant variety offers hope for restoring the species. Breeding the genetically engineered tree with wild trees could enable the blight-resistant population to adapt to a changing climate. Researchers will compare genetic diversity in wild and current breeding populations to guide conservation and breeding for climate resilience.