How mapping tree genomes can help plant forests resilient to climate change [Video]

A research team at the University of Alberta is looking into why some trees in Alberta are more resilient when faced with drought, disease and the risk of wildfires by sequencing tree genomes. 

A genome is the genetic makeup of an organism, and the thought behind sequencing tree genomes is that it’ll help inform what trees have a better chance of surviving in tough conditions, and what trees should be planted when reforesting areas lost to wildfires. 

The genome Alberta resilient forests project, led by U of A agricultural, life and environmental science faculty professor Barb Thomas, originally studied the genetic makeup of trees to determine what makes a resilient forest.

Now, they are using that data to map out the genome for pine and spruce trees. 

“What we typically are trying to do is to measure populations and make assessments and measurements … about what would be the best …