POLYTREE, the Nordic Network for Polyploid Trees – held its first workshop in Copenhagen June 13-15. Four keynote speakers, 13 network members and approximately 15 online participants discussed polyploid trees and their future role.
Stomata in a tetraploid Acacia Senegal. Photo: Antoine Sambou
Polyploidy (or the possession of more than one set of paired chromosomes) is common in plants and has played an important role in their evolution. Furthermore, many agricultural and horticultural crops are polyploid – chances are close to 100% that you have eaten at least one polyploid plant product today.
However, in forestry polyploidy is much less used, despite polyploidy frequently resulting in altered growth patterns and adaptation to new ecological niches.
At the workshop, we discussed trees in that respect: Which trees are polyploid? What is the genetic basis for the often seen superiority in polyploids? Is there any reason to believe that polyploids will be better adapted to future climates and higher CO2 concentrations? These and other questions will be addressed in a review elaborated by the network members.
If you want to join the network please contact the coordinator Anders Ræbild, .