Ash trees demonstrating tolerance to the highly destructive tree
disease ash dieback will be planted in the UK’s first ‘ash tree
archive’ it was announced today (Thursday 6 June).
This strategy consolidates all the evidence on ash trees and
their threats to identify future research needs to protect the
species and restore it to our landscape. These threats include
the tree disease ash dieback, which has the potential to cause
significant damage to the UK’s ash trees population, and the pest
emerald ash borer.
Defra has jointly funded a number of successful research projects
that have identified trees that appear to be showing signs of
tolerance to ash dieback. These trees are the next important step
in developing a future breeding programme of disease resistant
ash trees.
, Defra Biosecurity
Minister said:
“Today is a day to acknowledge the sound progress that has been
made and I am delighted that we are launching A Vision and High
Level Strategy for Ash Research. This document lays out priority
themes for research, and in the longer term, how it will deliver
the restoration of our landscapes.
“Defra is already committed to funding several key research
activities. Just one innovative example is the ongoing screening
by Forest Research and Future Trees Trust for ash trees tolerant
to ash dieback. In early 2020 the Trust will be planting an
archive of tolerant trees which will be a key resource for a
future breeding programme.”
Nicola Spence, Defra Chief Plant Health Officer,
said:
“Since ash dieback was identified in 2012, we have invested more
than £6m in ash dieback research and £4.5m to strengthen
border security. We currently have some of the strongest import
controls in Europe.
“But we want to go even further to protect our ash trees which is
why we have developed the ash research strategy, a new document
which will help us determine how to ensure ash trees remain in
our landscape for future generations to enjoy.”
Scions collected from the trees that appear to be showing signs
of tolerance to ash dieback have been grafted onto healthy
rootstock and are currently growing in nurseries with the
anticipation of being planted in Hampshire in 2020.
The Ash Research Strategy has been developed in partnership with
key stakeholders, including academics, Defra group scientists and
researchers, research councils, the forestry, horticultural and
landscape sectors, landowner representative bodies, environmental
organisations.
Jo Clark, Head of Research at FTT and project lead for
the Living Ash Project says:
“We are really excited to be working with Forest Research and
Defra. These trees show a high degree of tolerance to ash dieback
and have been sourced from trials and stands right across the
country. The forest industry has come together to help identify
these trees for future breeding work.”
Professor Melanie Welham, Executive Chair of
the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
said:
“BBSRC has continued to work with Defra, co-funding new research
on ash dieback over the last few years. I am pleased to see the
creation of the Ash Research Strategy and am confident the
results from on-going studies will contribute to protecting one
of Britain’s most important and beloved trees.”
The ash strategy presents 6 updated ash policy objectives, set
against the THRS resilience circle segments:
- Continuous review of pests and diseases which pose a threat
to ash, in particular ADB and EAB
- Mitigate the risk of further pest and disease outbreaks on
ash
- Ensure preparedness and an optimal response to an EAB
incursion
- Reduce the impact of ADB on ash-associated biodiversity and
public health and safety
- Restore ecosystem services, by repopulating the treescape
with alternative species to ash
- Assist the long-term survival of native ash in the landscape
