Minister Hackett launches Teagasc-led project to help safeguard the future of Ireland's ash trees

New initiative to develop disease-resistant ash trees

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D., today launched a new Teagasc-led project to develop disease-resistant ash trees. The five-year project, which is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, will see Teagasc researchers work with colleagues in University College Dublin and the National Botanic Gardens to develop new ash tree varieties that are resistant to ash dieback disease.

Ash dieback disease is a major threat to ash trees in Ireland

Ash dieback is a fungal disease that has killed millions of ash trees across Europe. The disease was first identified in Ireland in 2012 and has since spread to almost all parts of the country. Ash dieback is caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, which infects the leaves of ash trees. The fungus causes the leaves to turn brown and die, and eventually the tree will die.

Ash trees are an important part of Ireland's landscape. They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, hedgerows and parks. Ash trees provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, and they also play an important role in the carbon cycle.

The new project will develop new ash tree varieties that are resistant to ash dieback disease

The new project will see Teagasc researchers work with colleagues in University College Dublin and the National Botanic Gardens to develop new ash tree varieties that are resistant to ash dieback disease. The researchers will use a variety of techniques, including genetic engineering and traditional breeding, to develop new ash tree varieties that are resistant to the disease.

The project will also investigate the potential of using biocontrol agents to control ash dieback disease. Biocontrol agents are organisms that can be used to control pests and diseases without the use of chemicals. The researchers will investigate the potential of using a variety of biocontrol agents, including fungi and bacteria, to control ash dieback disease.

The project is expected to have a major impact on the future of ash trees in Ireland

The project is expected to have a major impact on the future of ash trees in Ireland. The development of new ash tree varieties that are resistant to ash dieback disease will help to protect Ireland's ash trees from the disease and ensure that they continue to play an important role in Ireland's landscape.