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Project Title: Genetic variability of Quercus robur L. in the Bosnian provenance test

Applicant: Faculty of Forestry, University of Sarajevo

Visit date: 7-25 July 2014

Feedback: I did isozyme analisys on a large number of samples of Quercus robur, and results will be used on developing conservation methods of this species in Bosnia and Hercegovina.

I had excellent technical support, and I could use all facilities I needed at ASP.

Project Title: Genetic methods for traceability of Picea abies FRM from Carpathians

Applicant: Forest Research and Management Institute, Department of Forest Genetics, Campulung Moldovenesc Station, Suceava, Romania

Visit date: 17 - 28 March 2014

Feedback: The main scientific achievement from my TA visit was genotyping of 380 Norway spruce individuals using 8 nuclear microsatellites and determining the genetic relationship between our samples. Results will complement those obtained using mitochondrial markers and morphological traits (cone scale) in order to establish genetic methods for traceability of FRM at the regional level. Also, a detailed study of the certification system for forest reproductive material (Züf) was made, and how it functions both at technical and administrative levels.

Throughout the visit I felt like part of the team and I got all the support I needed. The opportunity to work with modern equipment and a great team helped me to acquire skills that will be useful in my future research. I would like to thank the site manager Dr. Barbara Fussi and her team for professional support, and my gratitude also to Dr. Monika Konnert.

Project Title: Application of genetic markers for traceability of European beech provenances

Applicant: Department of Genetics and Tree Breeding, University of Agriculture in Kracow, Poland

Visit date: 26 November - 6 December 2013

Feedback: The logistical support was very good. During my stay I had access to office space, computer and libraries. The host institution helped me find accommodation too. The scientific support to set up my experiments and interpret the results was very good, and the staff of the host institution were very helpful.

Project Title: Genetic control of origin of Scots pine reproductive material in Lithuania

Applicant: Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forest and Ecology Aleksandras Stulginskis University, Lithuania

Visit date: 3-16 June 2013

Feedback: The scientific achievements of the visit were:

  • The Traceability System (TS) was introduced, and how it functions was studied at both technical and administrative levels
  • DNR extraction protocol from wood of Scots pine was established and optimised by running tests in the ASP laboratory aiming to develop population-specific markers for Lithuanian populations
  • DNA was extracted from wood samples of three distinct Lithuanian populations, 48 samples from each
  • nSSR multiplex was established, optimised and tested
  • nSSR analyses were carried out on the above indicated samples of Lithuanian populations together with one German and Polish population (c. 20 trees each)
  • Data analysis was carried out

Our cooperation not only returned gain in our current project, but also gave ideas for new research cooperation. We thank the staff of ASP for the warm reception and professional support.

Project Title: Exchange of knowledge and practical experience about poplars and willows used for biomass plantations (BIOPOP)

Applicant: Department of Forest and Biomass Reproductive Material, National Food Chain Safety Office (NFCSO), Hungary

Visit date: May 2013

Feedback: The scientific support was excellent, as was the administrative support offered by the Trees4Future staff and hosting institute ASP.

Project Title: Development of DNA analyses for identification, fingerprinting and traceability of forest reproductive material (FGMRI)

Applicant: Forestry and Game Management Research Institute (Forest Tree Species Biology and Breeding), Czech Republic

Visit date: 4-8 March 2013

Feedback: During the visit I studied a method of DNA analysis of forest trees, mainly analyses of nuclear microsatellites of different tissues from 4 species (Abies alba, Quercus robur, Quercus petraea, Picea abies) including interpretation of the obtained genetic data. I studied the German certification systems for forest reproductive material - ZüF system.

The scientific and technical support was excellent. During the TA visit I received specific information and skills that will be applied within my own research. On consideration, the duration of the visit was relatively short (5-days). The topic would deserve more intensive study.

Project Title: Genetic characterisation of beech stands as a basis for certification of Forest Reproductive Material

Applicant: Faculty of Forestry, Department of Silviculture, University of Forestry - Sofia, Bulgaria

Visit date: 6-19 November 2012

Feedback: The main scientific achievements of the visit were:

  • comparative genetic studies of beech provenances in Bulgaria and Germany using isozyme and DNA analysis and using microsatellites;
  • detailed study of the whole certification system for forest reproductive material ZüF and information on the FfV system.

The applicant expressed admiration for the working systems and facilities at ASP Teisendorf. Particularly I was impressed by the high level of scientific research which include the most modern methods of genetic research and equipment. For a certification system for forest reproductive material (ZÜF-system) the use of genetic methods is important. In this respect the role of ASP within the certification system deserves attention.

The applicant expressed specific thanks to: Dr. Monika Konnert, Dr. Barbara Fussi, Ralf Jenner, Christine Belle, Susanne Nowak.