Trees and Genetics - Dr. Colin Fleming
Planting trees has become a popular pastime and a recognised way of protecting and enhancing biodiversity. Questions have been asked, however, about the genetic suitability of native trees that are imported from other parts of Europe. Conservationists and some scientists have long promoted the collection of seed locally for propagating trees and replanting them back into the local landscape.
Colin has been researching genetic differences within tree species for many years, comparing Irish, British and other European sources. He also superviss research students at Queen’s University of Belfast and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland.
Colin presented some of the general conclusions from his work. He pointed out that there are significant differences between oak from Ireland and oak from Britain. There are also differences between oak from the north of the island (Correl Glen and Breen) and those from the south (Killarney). This may suggest different routes of migration following the end of the Ice Age and recolonisation. Other tree species show similar results.
To conclude, Colin suggested that, in areas where our few isolated remnants of ancient woodland still survive, it would be best to plant trees grown from seed collected from these woodlands. He also indicated that many native woodlands in Fermanagh showed particular signs of local genetic adaptation and, when planting in the county, it was advisable to use trees of local provenance.