Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology

We are part of Umeå Plant Science Centre, a centre of excellence for experimental plant research and forest biotechnology. Our mission is to:

  • perform excellent and innovative basic research
  • generate knowledge that benefits forestry, agriculture, environment and society

Umeå Plant Science Centre

Find more detailed information about our research, activities and facilities on the website of Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC).
News & Events

News

  • 2025-10-16

    Thinner snow, colder roots – boreal trees show unique cold responses

    Climate change likely leads to thinner snow cover during winter in northern Europe, leaving tree roots more exposed to cold. PhD student Tuuli Aro found that boreal tree species respond differently to this kind of stress and highlights how genomic tools can help breed for more frost-tolerant trees.
  • 2025-10-07

    New discovery challenges old assumptions about how plant cells stick together

    PhD student Özer Erguvan discovered two key sites in plant cell walls that help cells stick together - findings that challenge textbook knowledge. He also found that sugars play a role in this process. In this interview, he shares insights from his PhD journey.
  • 2025-09-24

    Looking for the perfect tree partner – SLU’s hope in Forskar Grand Prix

    On 10 October, Laura García Romañach, a PhD student at SLU, will take to the stage at SciFest to compete in the Researcher's Grand Prix. Using dating apps as a metaphor, she will explain the science behind tree breeding – and why her research is crucial in the face of climate change.
  • 2025-09-08

    Aspen trees integrate light and temperature to time bud set

    Even in summer, sudden cold snaps are common in northern regions such as Umeå. To survive, trees must know when to keep growing and when to stop and prepare for winter. Now, researchers at UPSC have discovered how aspen trees sense temperature and combine it with daylight to make that decision.
  • 2025-09-01

    Scientists map aspen tree genes across seasons, creating a detailed genetic roadmap

    Aspen trees follow a precise annual rhythm, shaped by the changing seasons. Researchers at UPSC have mapped this natural calendar at the genetic level, comparing trees grown outdoors and in the lab. Their study offers a detailed look into the molecular choreography behind the trees’ seasonal life.

Calendar