Irish scientists have successfully ‘cloned’ superior ash trees as part of a Europe-wide project to improve the quality of the species.
The result could have significant implications for the forestry industry which needs high quality ash trees for processing.
A team of researchers at Teagasc’s Kinsealy Research Centre are taking crown cuttings from mature trees and grafting them onto sapling roots. When buds begin to grow they are removed and treated to stimulate the production of shoots, which are then taken as cuttings and rooted in the normal way.
The team reckons one ash tree bud grafted can lead to the production of hundreds of thousands of plants within six months.
Increasing the amount of superior trees in a stand dramatically improves its value. Poor quality trees, good only for firewood, are worth about €20 each, whereas a superior one will generate 1-1.2m3 of timber which, when veneered, could retail at €500.
