Investigating Scots pine resilience

Project lead  Dr Tom Sim | Forest Research
Lead organisation  Forest Research
Project status  Active
Project funding 25-26  £84,185
Research outcomes  Reducing the risk | Adaptation
Context

This project will explore the resilience of the ecologically and economically important Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) to combined abiotic and biotic stresses. With climate change increasing extreme weather events and pest threats, understanding trees’ responses to these stresses is vital.

The study will use a controlled experiment to examine the trees’ responses to drought and waterlogging in a glasshouse setting, followed by testing their reaction to disease in natural field conditions. By considering both the trees’ genetic makeup and provenance, the research aims to understand how different Scots pine populations handle stress.

Research aims and objectives
Aim:

Study how trees grow and respond to different stresses (drought, waterlogging and disease), based on both their genetic background and geographic origin.

Objectives:
  • Measure how well the trees grow and survive under stress.  
  • Investigate whether these traits are inherited and how they vary by region.  
  • Better understand the biological processes behind their responses (another of our projects is also looking into drought and waterlogging stress response, see here for more information: Infusing resilience into the scots pine genetic resource).
Expected outcomes

This project brings together genetics, plant physiology, and plant disease research to inform policies that support tree health and sustainable forest management. In addition, the field trial will serve as a valuable long-term resource for future research and policy planning. Key outcomes of the project will include: 

  • a peer-reviewed scientific publication, 
  • a position paper to guide policy decisions, 
  • a workshop for stakeholders.

 

Title image: Crown Copyright. Forest Research – Tom Sim
Body image: Crown Copyright. Forest Research – Tom Sim

Glossary & Key Terms
Abiotic stress
Stress caused by physical and environmental factors.
Biotic stress

Stress caused by living organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and insects.

Glasshouse setting
A controlled environment used for growing and studying plants under regulated conditions.
Plant physiology
The study of the functions of a plant, encompassing its internal processes, how it interacts with its environment, and its life cycle.
Provenance

A forestry term used to describe the location of the stand from which reproductive material (seeds or cuttings) was collected.

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)
Scots pine is one of three native conifers but is the only one of commercial importance. It is tolerant of dry conditions which makes this an increasingly valuable species for sites in eastern Britain where drought risk is likely to increase under climate change. Scots pine is categorised as a principal tree species. For more information, see Scots pine (SP) – Forest Research

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