Study supported by the Latvian Council of Science
The aim of the study is to create new knowledge on adaptive mechanisms and capacity of forests trees and possibilities to facilitate adaptation process in order to improve vitality of future forest stands. The study will bring together expertise in fields of forest tree breeding and genetics, forest disturbances and animal sciences in order to understand critical factors important for adaptation to predicted changes in climatic conditions, role of genetic component in adaptation process and possibilities to facilitate adaptation. The study bases on measurements in large-scale progeny trials (more than 1000 families) in field and controlled conditions. Focus will be mainly on broadleaved tree species that are less studied and predicted to expand in future.