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Proceedings of the Sixth International Workshop on the Genetics of Host-Parasite Interactions in Forestry—Tree Resistance to Insects and Diseases: Putting Promise into Practice

Informally Refereed

Abstract

The Sixth International Workshop on the Genetics of Host-Parasite Interactions in Forestry: Tree Resistance: Putting Promise into Practice was held the first week of August 2018 at Deer Creek State Park in Mt. Sterling, Ohio. The workshop provided a continuing conduit for bringing together researchers, tree breeders, and forest managers to focus on perhaps the most salient action society can take to restore tree species imperiled by invasive pests and pathogens—developing and deploying resistant tree populations. The 95 presentations (oral and poster) covered a wide range of tree species and associated pathogens and pests from throughout the world. Ash species (genus Fraxinus) throughout Europe and North America face relatively new perils (ash dieback disease and emerald ash borer) and a special session was devoted to this genus. Screening for resistance is a fundamental component of resistance development and the topic of another full session. Additional presentations detailed efforts to develop genomics and biotechnology tools and resources that have the potential to increase the efficiencies of applied resistance programs. Other presentations provided inputs on collaborative breeding approaches, citizen science in forest health, the potential role of endophytes in managed forests, threats to agroforestry species, prioritization of species in need of resistance programs, considerations necessary for the use of new biotechnologies, and concepts for integrating genetic, phenotypic and environmental data across the host-parasite system. Several presentations provided updates on “the ultimate goal”—progress of applied resistance programs and actual restoration efforts—leading into discussions on key topics such as the durability, stability, and usability of resistance in forest tree species. Taken together the presentations and discussions provided ample evidence that developing resistant populations is a viable (and in some cases necessary) approach for society to use to ensure healthy forests for future generations. These proceedings document the presentations given as lightly reviewed full papers, extended abstracts, and standard abstracts. In concluding the workshop, the attendees approved Spain by acclamation as the host of the Seventh Tree Resistance Workshop to be held in 2020.

Titles contained within Proceedings of the Sixth International Workshop on the Genetics of Host-Parasite Interactions in Forestry—Tree Resistance to Insects and Diseases: Putting Promise into Practice

Keywords

Durable resistance, ecosystem restoration, forest health, genetics of resistance, insect and disease mitigation, invasive pests and pathogens, resistance breeding.

Citation

Nelson, C. Dana; Koch, Jennifer L.; Sniezko, Richard A., eds. 2020. Proceedings of the Sixth International Workshop on the Genetics of Host-Parasite Interactions in Forestry—Tree Resistance to Insects and Diseases: Putting Promise into Practice. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–252. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 170 p.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/61836