Hope for Swiss Forests: Search for Resistant Ash Trees
For years, there has been a major problem in Swiss forests: so-called ash dieback. This dangerous tree disease is caused by a fungus and leads to many ash trees becoming ill or even dying. However, there is now new hope for this important tree species. The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) has launched a special project to secure the future of the ash tree in Switzerland.
At the heart of this project is the search for particularly strong trees. Researchers are examining a total of 144 ash trees that are considered "presumably resistant." This means that these trees have remained healthy despite the widespread presence of the fungus. Experts are now revisiting these trees to precisely check and document their current state of health.
Another important part of the scientific work is the observation of the next generation. Researchers are examining not only the old, strong trees but also the young ash trees growing near them. They want to find out whether the resistance to the disease is passed on to the young trees. If the young plants also remain healthy, it is a positive sign for the natural renewal of the forests.
The ash tree is of great importance to Swiss nature and the timber industry. It provides a habitat for many animal species and yields valuable wood. Should the researchers confirm that there are indeed resistant groups of ash trees, these trees could form the basis for saving the entire species in Switzerland. The project demonstrates how important targeted research is for the protection of the local environment.