Context

Most of our understanding of how species respond to new selective challenges is derived from studies in animals, microbes and annual plants. This knowledge underpins our insight into how species respond to rapid change in the biotic and abiotic environment (e.g. invasive pathogens, climate). But trees may differ greatly in their evolutionary dynamics. Trees are large, long-lived, immobile, sexual organisms that produce millions of propagules of seed and/or pollen during their lifetime, which sometimes travel long distances.

This project will seek answers to the question of how distinctive attributes of tree genetics affect their resilience, and strategies for reducing risk and recovery; in particular, their effects on how trees win “evolutionary arms races”.

Research aims and objectives

Aim:

Understand how trees evolve in the face of biotic and abiotic threats.

Objectives:

• Produce a comprehensive, transdisciplinary bibliography of how trees evolve and adapt under new and emerging environmental conditions.
• Bring together leading international geneticists for a structured, residential workshop to generate expert insight on how trees evolve under novel conditions.
• Integrate this research and collective expertise into a high-impact review paper.

Expected outcomes

• A comprehensive synthesis and new conceptual framework explaining how trees evolve under novel biotic and abiotic threats, integrating genetics, ecology, and recent advances in genomics.
• A high-impact, multi-author review paper entitled “How trees evolve under novel conditions”.
• Improved understanding of how tree evolution differs from other organisms, clarifying their potential for rapid adaptation and the risks of misinformed policy or management.
• Strengthened scientific consensus and collaboration through expert workshops, producing insights that direct support resilience adaptation, risk reduction and recovery in forestry.