Thünen: News

Wolves have been back in Germany for over 20 years. In a recent study, the Thünen Institute presents new tools to answer the question of what the predators feed on.

On November 22, 2024, Melina Krautwurst successfully defended her PhD thesis on “Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of ash dieback in Fraxinus excelsior” at the University of Hamburg.

On May 24, 2024, the staff of the Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics bid farewell to the deputy director and group leader, Dr. Matthias Fladung, as he retired.

Herr Matthias Fladung ist rechts im Bild und hält vor den Mitarbeitern eine Rede

Genetic diversity is a key element of biodiversity. In a new study, scientists from the Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics report the results of a genetic monitoring of two important tree species in Germany, European beech and Norway spruce.

The picture shows one of ten populations of Norway spruce that were selectd for an intensive genetic monitoring, this particular population is located near the summit of mount Brocken in the Harz mountains, Germany

Despite their ecological and economic relevance, very little is known about the natural genetic diversity of Scots pine forests in Germany. A new research project aims at closing this knowledge gap.

The regulation on deforestation-free supply chains (EU Regulation 2023/1115, known as EUDR) came into force on June 29, 2023 and replaces the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR). The Institute of Forest Genetics in Großhansdorf will support the implementation of the EUDR for wood products.

The "ABI Seqstudio" device is switched on and is operated by a person whose arm can only be seen, wearing blue laboratory gloves.

Once a year, the mathematical and scientific societies organise a parliamentary evening. On 14 November 2023, researchers from various disciplines discussed with members of the Bundestag. Thünen scientist Dr Tobias Brügmann reports on the event.

The workshop "Seed Orchard Design" was held in Waldsieversdorf from 21-22.02.2023 to exchange international knowledge on seed orchard design. Highly effective algorithms for calculating plantation designs were presented.

The conference participants sit at tables and follow the contribution, which is presented at the front by a speaker with a beamer presentation.

In the new DFG-funded TaxGen project, the Thünen Institute for Forest Genetics, together with the DRESDEN-concept Genome Center, is investigating the genetic basis of sex determination in the dioecious conifer species European yew (Taxus baccata).

Branches of a female yew in autumn. The seeds are enveloped by red arils.

Although most plant species are hermaphrodites, the separation of the sexes (dioecy) evolved in many tree species and various crop plants. Nevertheless, the underlying genetic basis remains largely elusive. An international team led by the Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics showed that a single…