 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
|
ArborGen is working with university scientists to find viable solutions that will accelerate the restoration of the American chestnut, flowering dogwood, American elm and California oak. |
|
 Biotechnology holds the promise of restoring threatened and endangered tree species such as the American chestnut, flowering dogwood, American elm and California oak. Many species have nearly disappeared due to pests, disease and blight to which they have no natural resistance.   ArborGen supports the ongoing efforts to restore the American chestnut tree. The chestnut was once the dominant species in the forests of the eastern United States before it became nearly extinct by a fungal disease early in the 20th Century. ArborGen provides financial and facilities support to chestnut restoration research at the University of Georgia (UGA) and at the State University of New York (SUNY – Syracuse). We are working closely with researchers at these institutions in their efforts to introduce the blight resistance genes. We work with other universities and institutions as well, including the Institute for Forest Biotechnology. The concepts and techniques that are being developed for the American chestnut tree may one day be applied to aid in restoring or preserving other threatened species, such as the American elm and the flowering dogwood. ArborGen’s patented regeneration system could one day enable mass production of American chestnut seedlings to reintroduce this magnificent tree to the American landscape. |
