Studying the seed sources of a selection of native Irish trees and identifying gaps in supply in order to create a sustainable seed sampling strategy for the future.
Background
The current targets of the Irish government to increase broadleaf forestry cover brings about an urgent need for suitable seed sources. To address this the NATSEED project will develop seed sourcing strategies for a suite of native tree species. The final list of target species will be decided in consultation with stakeholders. The preliminary list of species will include high priority species such as Alder, Downy Birch, Silver Birch, Sessile Oak, Pedunculate Oak and Scots pine, as well as medium to low priority species such as Hazel and Holly.
A recent study in the UK developed a seed sourcing strategy based on species ecology and biology. The strategies developed as part of the NATSEED project will take a similar approach and will consider species biology, geographical distribution and genetic diversity to develop seed sourcing strategies. These strategies will deliver estimates on the feasibility of seed sampling in Ireland and the effort needed to capture native genetic diversity.
Aim of the project
The primary objectives of NATSEED are:
- Identification of suitable native seed sources: Conduct a comprehensive desk study and stakeholder engagement to identify suitable native seed sources. This will involve collating data on seed orchards and nurseries focusing on native seed and will also develop a list of potential native sites suitable for seed collection or for use as seed stands.
- Assessment of genetic diversity: Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis to assess the capture of genetic diversity within Ireland. The results of the desk study will be merged with existing data on the genetic diversity, where available, and using geographical or ecological variability as a proxy were not. This analysis will enable us to estimate the capture of genetic diversity and potential gaps.
- Trials on seed collection and germination: Undertake a limited set of trials of seed collection and germination to assess the effort needed. The strategy will take into account the available seed and the germination success of the seed.
- Molecular characterisation: Conduct molecular characterisation on selected species, namely Hazel (Corylus avellana) and Holly (Ilex aquifolium). This will involve genetic analysis to understand the genetic diversity and structure of seed sources, aiding in the selection of appropriate seed sources for conservation and propagation.
- Development of species-specific strategies: Prepare individual strategies for each target species, incorporating information on species biology, geographical distribution, and genetic diversity.
- General principles for other species: Develop general principles for seed sourcing strategies for species not included in the individual strategies.
The research in this project will be multi-faceted. Desk study, GIS analysis and germination trials of the listed species will be carried out. Additionally, molecular characterisation of hazel and holly will be done to study the genetic diversity in Ireland.
Vision of the project
The NATSEED project envisions the development of robust strategies that can inform policy decisions regarding the support of seed collection and the establishment of native seed nurseries in Ireland. By collaborating with stakeholders, NATSEED aims to catalogue existing seed stand resources and formulate comprehensive strategies for seed sourcing, thereby addressing the need for increased native seed availability.
The NATSEED project is coordinated by the National Botanic Gardens in collaboration with Teagasc, Forestry Development Department.
Further information:
Dr Dheeraj Rathore, Tree Improvement Researcher
Saoirse O’Neill Field, NATSEED Project Research Technician
Funding:
NATSEED is funded under the Policy and Strategic Studies Research Call, a research funding initiative of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Grant Number: 2024PSSRC362).