We're looking for a PhD student who will focus on regeneration of European ash and restoration of broadleaved forests after pathogen disturbances.
In recent decades, forests in Sweden have been threatened by new and emerging pests and pathogens. European ash is one of several noble broadleaved tree species that has been affected by introduced fungal diseases. The disease commonly known as ash dieback is largely threatening the existence of ash populations across Europe but especially in the Nordic region. Currently interactions of tree health, climate change and ungulate browsing are important subjects in mitigating biodiversity loss. Ash is a highly-valued timber tree species that has ecological and cultural importance in natural and urban environments. The research program “Save the Ash”, managed by Skogforsk and SLU, aims to develop a more resistant population of European ash for the future.
The PhD project focuses on the regeneration and restoration of European ash. The project will generate new knowledge on the status of ash regeneration in natural stands that have been chronically affected by the ash dieback disease and in new plantations with propagated genotypes phenotypically selected for high tolerance to the invasive fungal pathogen. The project also aims to establish strategies for forest owners to guide restoration efforts in areas where the disease has caused significant damage and mortality.
The PhD student will be included in the research teams with focus on forest pathology and silviculture. The research group in forest pathology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Alnarp studies the biology, ecology and epidemiology of endemic and exotic invasive forest pathogens. Our work focuses on aspects of disease control and the interactions of trees with fungi and fungal-like (oomycete) organisms, including host symbioses and tree defense mechanisms. We conduct molecular diagnostics and host-chemical analyses to better understand the infection and resistance biology of trees. The research group in silviculture studies the regeneration and management of noble broadleaves in the temperate and south-boreal forests. New and old forest experiments are the core study objects for explaining regeneration success, tree growth and stand development. The successful applicant will have excellent opportunities to work with other international collaborators.
Alnarp
October 15, 2023 or according to agreement.
Apply no later than 15 October 2023.
Read more and apply via SLU:s webpage for vacancies - slu.se.