EEB/IFC Joint Seminar on March 15: Using the mountain pine system to demonstrate the use of genomics to understand risk and resiliency of forests to large scale disturbances

Guest speaker: Dr. Catherine Cullingham, Carleton University
Host: Prof. Patrick James

Event Details

3:00PM Friday March 15, 2024

Lecture Room ES B142, Earth Sciences Centre, 5 Bancroft Avenue, Toronto

Or watch via Zoom:

Click HERE for link.

Meeting ID: 811 3392 3226

Passcode: 179009

Abstract:
Mountain pine beetle has had significant impacts in western Canadian pine forests over the past two decades. Over 20 million hectares of pine in Canada has been affected impacting industry, communities, carbon cycling and ecosystem function. In 2006 the beetle expanded into central Alberta where it has encountered a novel host, jack pine. Many questions have arisen since then including, is jack pine an appropriate host for mountain pine beetle? What is the potential for continued spread across the Boreal forest? What genes underlie host susceptibility? Using population genetics, spatial ecology, and molecular biology my lab helps to answer some of these important questions, and provide useful outputs for management and predictive modelling. Through this integrated approach we provide insights into whether jack pine is a suitable host for mountain pine beetle which is an important step towards understanding the spread-risk potential of the beetle. We also have begun to identify the genetic component of pine host resilience to mountain pine beetle. Given the increasing frequency and intensity of biological invasions in forest ecosystems, approaches that consider interactions from the landscape to the individual will be critical for ensuring forest resiliency in the future.