Tolerant Tree
The Tolerant Tree project supports development and implementation of good practices for use and management of forest genetic resources to the benefit of the Nordic societies.
Gushing in beer production
Here, researchers study causes of pink kernels in malting barley and how various factors correlate with gushing in beer.
Making soil biodiversity visible in EU policy
SOB4ES is a large project with 19 partners on a mission to make soil biodiversity visible to society and integrate it into EU policies. Within SOB4ES, we analyze soil biodiversity under various intensities of major land uses in different EU regions.
Improve soil health and biodiversity in agricultural soils
In the EU project MultiSoil, we develop strategies to improve soil health and biodiversity. Our aim is to study cropping practices to reduce the reliance on chemical pest control, enhance soil functions and resilience, and support climate-smart farming.
Biological control of root rot
The fungus Heterobasidion annosum is the most destructive pathogen in northern conifer forests, affecting up to 15% of Norway spruce in Sweden. A biological control using Phlebiopsis gigantea spores is now applied to felling stumps to prevent the spread of decay.
The role of mountain birch forests in conserving insects and fungi
What role do mountain birch forests play in preserving species that live in and on dead wood and are disadvantaged by forestry? In this project, researchers are seeking answers by mapping which wood-dwelling insects and fungi live in mountain birch forests.
More research projects
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Spray-induced gene silencing for the control of liverwort in forest nurseries
Liverwort is a common problem in forest nurseries, where it competes with tree seedlings and reduces production efficiency. This project investigates an environmentally sustainable alternative using an RNA-based control strategy called spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS). -
Life cycles of ectomycorrhizal fungi with focus on sandy soil pine forests
Ectomycorrhizal fungi – fungi that live in symbiosis with trees – are an important component of biodiversity in northern coniferous forests. The project investigates how their populations develop in sandy pine forests and how they are affected by modern forest management. -
Projects about quarantine pests
Quarantine pests are organisms that are currently not present in Sweden to any significant extent, but that could cause major damage to plants if they are introduced or spread here. -
ForestAgriGreenNudge
ForestAgriGreenNudge is a Horizon Europe–funded research project that uses behavioural science to develop and test “green nudges” that make sustainable decisions in agriculture and forestry easier, more attractive, and more feasible without restricting freedom of choice. -
FORTUNA - Future innovation for pesticide use reduction in agriculture
The EU-funded FORTUNA project identifies future research needs to help halve pesticide use and risk in line with the European Farm to Fork Strategy while supporting competitive, pesticide-free farming.
Research areas
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Soil Microbiology
Microorganisms play a key role in nature’s cycles, controlling how essential nutrients like nitrogen move through ecosystems. By understanding their functions, we can find solutions to environmental challenges such as eutrophication, climate change, and unsustainable agriculture. -
Forest Pathology
Our research in forest pathology concentrates on pathogenic fungi causing diseases in forests. We study the interactions between the pathogen, the host tree and the environment from molecular to ecosystem level. -
Agricultural Plant Pathology
We conduct research within plant pathology and plant-microbe interactions with relevance for plant health. This includes pathogenic interactions in agricultural systems, but also beneficial interactions used for biological disease control and plant growth promotion. -
Forest microbiology
We focus on the role of soil biota in plant performance and ecosystem functioning. -
Plant disease epidemiology
Diseases in crops result in economic losses and account for a significant proportion of pesticide use in agriculture. We study the epidemiology of plant diseases to inform and support the implementation of sustainable management strategies.
News
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Scots pine blister rust is increasing in the north – here are the factors that associate with the risk
Scots pine blister rust is spreading in the pine forests of northern Sweden and Finland. Researchers now see a link between the disease and climate factors such as temperature, precipitation, soil moisture and fertility—and that the disease may increase further in a warmer climate. -
He wants to lay the foundation for tomorrow's resistant spruce trees
How does spruce defend itself against pathogenic fungi? And can this information contribute to future breeding programmes? Isak Ingerholt, a doctoral student at SLU Forest Damage Centre's research school, aims to find answers to these questions. -
More variation in the field reduces nitrogen losses
How can agricultural nitrogen losses be reduced without compromising yields? New research from SLU shows that more varied crop rotations can lower emissions to the atmosphere while benefiting both the environment and farmers’ finances. -
Interdisciplinary approaches to ecosystem restoration
As Europe works to restore its natural environments, researchers at SLU are exploring new ways to reconnect ecosystems and people. By linking ecology, society and culture, they aim to create landscapes that are both resilient and meaningful. -
13 new PhD projects granted in WIFORCE’s final call
A total of 13 new PhD projects have been granted within the WIFORCE Research School at SLU’s Faculty of Forest Sciences.