In August, Giulia Attocchi travelled to Denmark together with two colleagues to learn more about broadleaved tree seeds, how best to handle them, and the small seedlings they give rise to. The trip was funded by a scholarship from SNS and NordGen Forest.
– In Sweden, we know a lot about Norway spruce, Scots spine and Silver birch, but not as much when it comes to other broadleaved trees. In Denmark they have more experience in broadleaves seeds, seed orchards and plant production, so we wanted to go there and see different actors involved in seed and seedling production, says Giulia Attocchi, researcher at Skogforsk.
She travelled there in August together with two colleagues from Skogforsk and brought back a great deal of useful knowledge and concrete tips that can be applied directly in their own work.
– We gained insights practical insights into cultivation of broadleaved seedling in nurseries.
– We also saw good examples the operational management of seeds, seed orchards of broadleaved tree species. We also visited a nursery and learned more about where their seeds come from and what conditions are required, for example regarding the type of soil needed.
The colleagues were able to see an example of large-scale production and learn more about both the challenges associated with seed and seedling handling and the advantages that come with being so specialised.
– One difference compared to Sweden is that Denmark has a lot of open-field cultivation, so we were able to see how things can be done in a different way from what we are used to in Sweden.
The colleagues also had time to visit the Tree improvement unit at the Danish Nature Agency. There, they learned more about seed management, cleaning and stratification for example to ensure germination. An important aim of the trip was to establish contacts with those who have more experience and knowledge.
– Everyone was very open and willing to share their knowledge with us, and this will be important for our Swedish projects. Skogforsk does not have large-scale seedling production of its own, but the production we do have is important for establishing our research trials.
– Skogforsk also acts as a sounding board for industry and nurseries, so this contact will be important for us in the future.
The scholarship from SNS and NordGen was crucial in making the trip to Denmark possible. Now there is an opportunity to apply for the scholarship again. Click this link to see what opportunities are available!