Overview

The Save The Ash project has evolved over the years to be now a multifaceted, endeavor, with multidisciplinary research including studies of the resistance biology of ash, identifying plant pathogen tolerance-associated mechanisms, associated biodiversity and ecological impacts from ash dieback, field testing ash trees, encouraging public participation through the identification of vital (tolerant) ash trees, collecting and screening ash genotypes, advanced phenotyping tools to expedite breeding efforts, and restoration and management strategies.

Among the ongoing activities include basic research on identifying genes and secondary host metabolites associated with European ash tolerance, exploring the constitutive and induced defenses in European and congeneric species of ash, using infrared-based spectroscopy to identify disease-tolerant trees for breeding. In addition, we are doing field testing of putative resistant trees and have projects in improving propagation techniques for conservation, assessing the potential in natural regeneration around tolerant ‘mother trees’ for restoration, understanding the social dimensions involved in restoration of diseased landscapes, and deciphering host interaction with both the ash dieback pathogen (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) and the Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) – an impending threat that is encroaching on the European ash population from eastern Europe.