Identifying genomic resources against pests and pathogens in tree genera: a case study in Fraxinus
Lead Research Organisation:
Queen Mary University of London
Department Name: Sch of Biological and Chemical Sciences
Abstract
British ash trees are threatened by the fungal disease ash dieback, which has already arrived in the UK, and by the emerald ash borer (EAB), a beetle found in the USA and Russia. Scientists are currently seeking to develop ash trees resistant to ash dieback, using genetic information already present in European ash trees. In the longer term, Britain and the World need ash trees that are resistant to both ash dieback and EAB. To achieve this, we may need to study not just in Fraxinus excelsior -- the ash species most common in Britain -- but in the whole ash genus, which consists of about 50 species worldwide. Preliminary studies suggest that some of these species are resistant to one or both of these problems, due to co-evolution. Looking in the whole genus may help us (i) to identify genes in Fraxinus excelsior that can give resistance to these threats, which would otherwise have been hard to find, and (ii) reveal genes in other ash species that give resistance but are not found in Fraxinus excelsior.
This consortium is an international team of leaders in research on ash trees, ash dieback, the EAB, ash taxonomy and phylogenetics, ash genomics, tree breeding, phylogenomics and social framings of nature. It is led by Dr Richard Buggs (Queen Mary, University of London) who is currently sequencing a Fraxinus excelsior genome funded by NERC. It will pioneer the application of a new method for finding genes responsible for traits developed by Dr Steve Rossiter's group (Queen Mary, University of London), funded by BBSRC, that has not been used before in tree health contexts. This works by building evolutionary trees for thousands of genes in the ash genus, and examining how the patterns of evolution seen in them fit with patterns of susceptibility/resistance to ash dieback and EAB. This evolutionary approach allows us to identify genes or gene variants that may be involved in resistance.
For this method to work, we need accurate information about the susceptibility of different ash species to ash dieback and the EAB. Our current knowledge of this is patchy and largely anecdotal, so we need to fill this gap. At the moment we do not even have good data on how susceptible the British ash species, Fraxinus excelsior, is to the EAB. We therefore propose an experiment on susceptibility of ash species to the EAB to be carried out in the USA, in an area where this pest is killing thousands of trees. This will be conducted by Dr Jennifer Koch (US Forest Service), who has years of experience and well developed protocols in testing ash trees for EAB susceptibility, but has not carried out a systematic study of the whole genus. This experiment will be carried out on clones of all ash species currently available in American living collections.
A similar experiment will be carried out in the UK, testing the susceptibility of all ash species currently available in British and Irish living collections to ash dieback. This experiment will be led by Dr Steve Lee (Forest Research) who is currently leading a project screening thousands of F. excelsior genotypes for resistance to ash dieback, funded by Defra. This proposal provides a logical extension to that project to include other ash species.
Whilst we carry out experimental work to identify genes for pest and pathogen resistance, a social science study will be conducted by Dr Paul Jepson (Oxford University) about how they might be used in a tree health context in a manner that is socially and politically acceptable. Could we develop ash populations resistant to EAB and ash dieback by planting other ash species? By hybrid breeding programes? By genetic modification? This study will seek answers to these questions in a social and political sense.
This project will pioneer new methods and approaches to tackling both a fungal pathogen and an invertebrate pest in a widespread tree genus. If successful these approaches can be used to tackle tree health issues in other tree genera.
This consortium is an international team of leaders in research on ash trees, ash dieback, the EAB, ash taxonomy and phylogenetics, ash genomics, tree breeding, phylogenomics and social framings of nature. It is led by Dr Richard Buggs (Queen Mary, University of London) who is currently sequencing a Fraxinus excelsior genome funded by NERC. It will pioneer the application of a new method for finding genes responsible for traits developed by Dr Steve Rossiter's group (Queen Mary, University of London), funded by BBSRC, that has not been used before in tree health contexts. This works by building evolutionary trees for thousands of genes in the ash genus, and examining how the patterns of evolution seen in them fit with patterns of susceptibility/resistance to ash dieback and EAB. This evolutionary approach allows us to identify genes or gene variants that may be involved in resistance.
For this method to work, we need accurate information about the susceptibility of different ash species to ash dieback and the EAB. Our current knowledge of this is patchy and largely anecdotal, so we need to fill this gap. At the moment we do not even have good data on how susceptible the British ash species, Fraxinus excelsior, is to the EAB. We therefore propose an experiment on susceptibility of ash species to the EAB to be carried out in the USA, in an area where this pest is killing thousands of trees. This will be conducted by Dr Jennifer Koch (US Forest Service), who has years of experience and well developed protocols in testing ash trees for EAB susceptibility, but has not carried out a systematic study of the whole genus. This experiment will be carried out on clones of all ash species currently available in American living collections.
A similar experiment will be carried out in the UK, testing the susceptibility of all ash species currently available in British and Irish living collections to ash dieback. This experiment will be led by Dr Steve Lee (Forest Research) who is currently leading a project screening thousands of F. excelsior genotypes for resistance to ash dieback, funded by Defra. This proposal provides a logical extension to that project to include other ash species.
Whilst we carry out experimental work to identify genes for pest and pathogen resistance, a social science study will be conducted by Dr Paul Jepson (Oxford University) about how they might be used in a tree health context in a manner that is socially and politically acceptable. Could we develop ash populations resistant to EAB and ash dieback by planting other ash species? By hybrid breeding programes? By genetic modification? This study will seek answers to these questions in a social and political sense.
This project will pioneer new methods and approaches to tackling both a fungal pathogen and an invertebrate pest in a widespread tree genus. If successful these approaches can be used to tackle tree health issues in other tree genera.
Technical Summary
This consortium will develop a new approach for identifying genes conferring resistance to tree pests and pathogens, using phylogenomic information derived from the genus of a tree species that is at threat. This approach exploits new DNA sequencing technologies and apply the latest methods in phylogenomics, pioneered by co-PI Rossiter in his work on mammals. We will use Fraxinus as a model, as it faces two major threats and preliminary data suggest that resistance to both threats has evolved in parallel more than once in the genus. It is economically and ecologically valuable and some genomic data already exist. The genome of every available species in the genus Fraxinus will be sequenced and aligned, and phylogenies built for up to 10000 shared regions. Data on the susceptibility of each species to ash dieback and the emerald ash borer (EAB) will be generated in experiments in the UK (on ash dieback) and USA (on EAB). Candidate genes and alleles for low susceptibility will be sought by identifying those gene trees that are incongruent with the consensus species tree of Fraxinus, but congruent with patterns of low susceptibility in the genus. Signatures of selection will be analysed in these genes. Identification of these gene candidates will inform future breeding programmes. This complements other approaches currently seeking resistance to ash dieback in F. excelsior, by broadening the net to include over 30 related species; this is analogous to studies of wild relatives of crop species in agricultural pre-breeding programmes. As with crops, there is a danger that the possibilities made available by science may be mis-perceived by the public, causing sociological hindrance to their implementation. Thus, the proposal includes a social study to understand how new possibilities can be communicated to the public, and what possibilities are politically acceptable. The project will show us what solutions to tree health issues are feasible scientifically and politically
Planned Impact
Genomic scientists.-This project tackles a central issues in genome science: associating phenotypes to specific gene regions. We are using an approach that has only recently been developed and proved successful in identifying genes for echolocation in mammals. Demonstration of its usefulness in finding genes for low susceptibility to both an invertebrate pest and a fungal pathogen in trees will be a major step forwards in international genome science.
Tree geneticists.-New methods for discovering candidate genes for traits relating to tree health are of great international interest, because many of the methods used in crop genetics are difficult to carry out in trees due to their long lifespans
Tree breeders.-We aim to find candidate genes for low susceptibility to ash dieback and the emerald ash borer in the ash genus (Fraxinus), and recommend strategies by which tree breeders could implement these to produce ash trees resistant to both threats. Forest Research, the Future Trees Trust and the Earth Trust are the two main UK organisations involved in such research.
Biosecurity policy makers.-Our findings will inform policies for tree biosecurity throughout the northern hemisphere. Ash dieback is currently in Europe but not N. America. EAB is currently in the N. America but not in Europe, though it is near Moscow and spreading westwards. Our research will inform governments on both continents about the susceptibility of their local species of ash to these threats. We do not yet have rigorous data on the susceptibility of British ash trees to EAB, though anecdotal evidence suggests that it is susceptible. This project will provide rigorous data on this, allowing us to better parameterize the risks associated with EAB, with immediate impacts for biosecurity policy.
Biotechnology policy makers.-Our proposal includes a social science study of what genomic solutions to tree health issues would be acceptable to the public, interest and stakeholder groups, and the media. It will make recommendations about how these issues are framed in public discourse.
Plant health experts.-This project will exchange knowledge about EAB and ash dieback among experts in Europe and N. America, allowing efficient early warning of their spread to new continents. In the UK, the ObservaTREE network provides tree health training materials and volunteer networks to deliver a tree health early warning system.
Foresters.-Ash are one of only about six broad-leaved species that are planted commercially in Britain. They can tolerate moist conditions and squirrels. Death or reduced growth of ash due to ash dieback or EAB is a major challenge to the forestry industry. This is represented in the UK by Confor, Institute of Chartered Foresters, and other organisations. The forestry industry is very interested in increasing the resilience and species base of UK forestry.
Biodiversity.-Ash is one of the last trees in the UK to flush in the spring, allowing a rich assemblage of spring-flowering plants on forest floors. Its bark has an unusual pH, giving a niche for rare lichens. Organisations in the UK such as Earth Trust, Woodland Trust and National Trust seek to conserve this biodiversity.
Public health.-A 2013 American study has shown an increase in human mortality related to cardiovascular and lower-respiratory-tract illness in counties where ash trees have died due to the EAB (Am. J. Prev. Med. 44:139-145).
Quality of life.- There are 80 million ash trees the UK alone. If future generations can grow and enjoy ash trees in the UK, this will enhance quality of life and health. The British public is clearly very interested in, and concerned about, this issue. The success of this project will reassure them that ash trees are not lost forever from the landscape, and that there is also hope for other tree species that are currently threatened by pests.
Botanic Gardens/Arboreta.-We will demonstrate the benefits of living collections
Tree geneticists.-New methods for discovering candidate genes for traits relating to tree health are of great international interest, because many of the methods used in crop genetics are difficult to carry out in trees due to their long lifespans
Tree breeders.-We aim to find candidate genes for low susceptibility to ash dieback and the emerald ash borer in the ash genus (Fraxinus), and recommend strategies by which tree breeders could implement these to produce ash trees resistant to both threats. Forest Research, the Future Trees Trust and the Earth Trust are the two main UK organisations involved in such research.
Biosecurity policy makers.-Our findings will inform policies for tree biosecurity throughout the northern hemisphere. Ash dieback is currently in Europe but not N. America. EAB is currently in the N. America but not in Europe, though it is near Moscow and spreading westwards. Our research will inform governments on both continents about the susceptibility of their local species of ash to these threats. We do not yet have rigorous data on the susceptibility of British ash trees to EAB, though anecdotal evidence suggests that it is susceptible. This project will provide rigorous data on this, allowing us to better parameterize the risks associated with EAB, with immediate impacts for biosecurity policy.
Biotechnology policy makers.-Our proposal includes a social science study of what genomic solutions to tree health issues would be acceptable to the public, interest and stakeholder groups, and the media. It will make recommendations about how these issues are framed in public discourse.
Plant health experts.-This project will exchange knowledge about EAB and ash dieback among experts in Europe and N. America, allowing efficient early warning of their spread to new continents. In the UK, the ObservaTREE network provides tree health training materials and volunteer networks to deliver a tree health early warning system.
Foresters.-Ash are one of only about six broad-leaved species that are planted commercially in Britain. They can tolerate moist conditions and squirrels. Death or reduced growth of ash due to ash dieback or EAB is a major challenge to the forestry industry. This is represented in the UK by Confor, Institute of Chartered Foresters, and other organisations. The forestry industry is very interested in increasing the resilience and species base of UK forestry.
Biodiversity.-Ash is one of the last trees in the UK to flush in the spring, allowing a rich assemblage of spring-flowering plants on forest floors. Its bark has an unusual pH, giving a niche for rare lichens. Organisations in the UK such as Earth Trust, Woodland Trust and National Trust seek to conserve this biodiversity.
Public health.-A 2013 American study has shown an increase in human mortality related to cardiovascular and lower-respiratory-tract illness in counties where ash trees have died due to the EAB (Am. J. Prev. Med. 44:139-145).
Quality of life.- There are 80 million ash trees the UK alone. If future generations can grow and enjoy ash trees in the UK, this will enhance quality of life and health. The British public is clearly very interested in, and concerned about, this issue. The success of this project will reassure them that ash trees are not lost forever from the landscape, and that there is also hope for other tree species that are currently threatened by pests.
Botanic Gardens/Arboreta.-We will demonstrate the benefits of living collections
Organisations
- Queen Mary University of London (Lead Research Organisation)
- Economic and Social Research Council (Co-funder)
- Forestry Commission Scotland (Co-funder)
- Scottish Government (Co-funder)
- Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Co-funder)
- Natural Environment Research Council (Co-funder)
- UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD (Collaboration)
- U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA (Collaboration)
- Earth Trust (Collaboration)
- FOREST RESEARCH (Collaboration)
- EARLHAM INSTITUTE (Collaboration)
Publications
Buggs R
(2019)
Changing perceptions of tree resistance research
in PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET
Buggs RJA
(2018)
State of the World's Fungi 2018
Coker T
(2018)
Estimating mortality rates of European ash ( Fraxinus excelsior ) under the ash dieback ( Hymenoscyphus fraxineus ) epidemic
in PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET
Harper AL
(2016)
Molecular markers for tolerance of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) to dieback disease identified using Associative Transcriptomics.
in Scientific reports
Huff M
(2022)
A high-quality reference genome for Fraxinus pennsylvanica for ash species restoration and research.
in Molecular ecology resources
Jepson P
(2017)
Exploring public perceptions of solutions to tree diseases in the UK: Implications for policy-makers.
in Environmental science & policy
Jepson PR
(2017)
Developing publicly acceptable tree health policy: public perceptions of tree-breeding solutions to ash dieback among interested publics in the UK.
in Forest policy and economics
Kelly LJ
(2020)
Convergent molecular evolution among ash species resistant to the emerald ash borer.
in Nature ecology & evolution
Plumb W
(2019)
The viability of a breeding programme for ash in the British Isles in the face of ash dieback
in PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET
Richard J. A. Buggs
(2017)
State of the World's Plants 2017
Sambles CM
(2017)
Ash leaf metabolomes reveal differences between trees tolerant and susceptible to ash dieback disease.
in Scientific data
Showalter D
(2019)
Resistance of European ash ( Fraxinus excelsior ) saplings to larval feeding by the emerald ash borer ( Agrilus planipennis )
in PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET
Sollars E
(2017)
Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics of Angiosperm Trees
Sollars ES
(2017)
Genome sequence and genetic diversity of European ash trees.
in Nature
Sollars ESA
(2018)
Genome-wide epigenetic variation among ash trees differing in susceptibility to a fungal disease.
in BMC genomics
Stocks JJ
(2019)
Genomic basis of European ash tree resistance to ash dieback fungus.
in Nature ecology & evolution
Stocks JJ
(2017)
A first assessment of Fraxinus excelsior (common ash) susceptibility to Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (ash dieback) throughout the British Isles.
in Scientific reports
Woodcock P
(2018)
Mitigating pest and pathogen impacts using resistant trees: a framework and overview to inform development and deployment in Europe and North America
in Forestry: An International Journal of Forest Research
Description | The most significant achievement from this award has been the sequencing and assembly of whole genome sequences from 24 diploid species and subspecies of Fraxinus (ash trees) and the identification from these whole genome assemblies of approximately 50 candidate genes for resistance to the emerald ash borer (EAB) beetle. These genes have a range of functions that may be relevant to defence against EAB and through our analyses we have found that several ash tree species with resistance to EAB carry different versions of these genes to those found in ash trees that are susceptible to attack by the EAB beetle. |
Exploitation Route | The candidate genes we have identified, and the resistance-associated variants within them, can be taken forward to screen for potentially more resistant individuals within otherwise largely susceptible species, ultimately feeding into efforts to breed trees with better resistance to EAB that may be undertaken by the forestry sector. They have now been included in a genotyping array produced by ThermoFisher Further experimental studies of these genes by academic researchers could help to establish their precise function in Fraxinus and their exact role in the defence response against EAB. The whole genome assemblies we have generated, made available through our website (http://www.ashgenome.org/), can be utilised by international researchers to facilitate other studies of ash, including efforts to mitigate the impact of ash dieback disease. We have demonstrated for the first time that genomic analyses of convergence among species can be used to identify candidate genes for pest resistance. We expect this method to be more widely used in future. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Environment Government Democracy and Justice |
URL | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/PRJEB20151/ |
Description | This work has informed Defra policy. Lord Gardiner, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity has been briefed on the work by civil servants; Richard Buggs presented in 2017 to the Defra Chief Scientific Advisor, Ian Boyd, and the Defra Ash Dieback Health and Safety Taskgroup; and this research has contributed to Defra policy on ash dieback, with the major focus being on breeding UK trees for resistance, and enhancement of natural selection because 'outbreaks of disease are not just devastating to our natural landscapes and native species, they endanger our economy and wellbeing'. Defra's tree health resilience strategy estimates the value of trees at £175bn. In Spring 2019, Defra will publish an ash evidence strategy document partly based on this research. In December 2016 the media gave substantial coverage to the online publication of the ash genome paper. Buggs was quoted by the BBC News website, BBC Radio 4 Six O'Clock News, Financial Times, The Guardian (882 shares and 76 comments), El Mundo (Spain) and Daily Express. The story was also reported in The Daily Mail and numerous international media outlets. This led to increased public awareness of plant genetics. The work has been mentioned in sporadic media attention since. Prof. Buggs has spoken on this research at many meetings for stakeholders, including: "The Future for English Woodlands" Conference organised by The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers and The Royal Forestry Society, 30 Oct 2018, The National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire; "Plant Health Conference", The Earth Trust, Oxfordshire, 17th Oct 2018; Forestry Commission's "SE & London Tree Health Event 2018", 12 Feb 2018; Dissemination event for the Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Initiative, at the Radisson Blu Grafton, London, 7 Feb 2018. In questionnaires handed out at "The Future for English Woodlands" Conference, comments included: "Dr Buggs explained v. complex issues in a clear and compelling way"; "I will work to try and get Natural England's policy on ash in SSSIs changed"; "Gave me a greater understanding of a topic I have found difficult to grasp in the past" |
First Year Of Impact | 2017 |
Sector | Environment,Government, Democracy and Justice |
Impact Types | Cultural Societal Economic Policy & public services |
Description | Citation in Sustainable Development and Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources 2020-2030 |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Citation in other policy documents |
Impact | Enhances treescape |
URL | http://www.coford.ie/media/coford/content/publications/2020/35769COFORDbodyreportweb211220.pdf |
Description | Defra Ash Research Strategy Stakeholder Workshop 9 Jan 2019 |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
Impact | Advised on future Defra research strategy on ash trees |
Description | National Academies Report on Forest Health and Biotechnology, Washington, DC |
Geographic Reach | North America |
Policy Influence Type | Citation in other policy documents |
Impact | Our research papers were cited in this report: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Forest Health and Biotechnology: Possibilities and Considerations. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25221. Our citations contributed to the following recommendations (p. 76): "Recommendation: Entities concerned about forest health should devote resources to identifying resistant trees within a population that have survived a pest outbreak. Research to understand the role of resistance in coevolved systems from the perspective of a global host-pest system, where the nonnative pathogen or insect originate, would help guide efforts in North America." "Recommendation: More research should be conducted on the fundamental mechanisms involved in trees' resistance to pests and adaptation to diverse environments, including a changing climate." "Recommendation: Sufficient investment of time and resources should be made to successfully identify or introduce resistance into tree species threatened by insects and pathogens." |
URL | https://www.nap.edu/catalog/25221/forest-health-and-biotechnology-possibilities-and-considerations |
Description | Organised FRAXBACK meeting to advise government and stakeholders about ash dieback research |
Geographic Reach | Asia |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKs7pMv2Huc |
Description | Policy Options for Chalara meeting, Defra |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Description | Presentation to Defra Chief Scientific Advisor |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
Impact | Updated Chief Scientific Advisor to Defra on latest research findings |
Description | The Chalara Oversight Group (Research Lead) |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Description | The Defra Ash tree research strategy 2019 |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Citation in other policy documents |
Impact | Evidence for HM Government response to ash dieback pandemic |
URL | https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/8068... |
Description | Ash dieback genomics - Woodland study |
Amount | £75,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | Future Proofing Plant Health |
Organisation | Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2019 |
End | 03/2020 |
Description | Defra grant oak condition survey sequencing |
Amount | £126,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | Future Proofing Plant Health TH1_21 |
Organisation | Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2021 |
End | 03/2021 |
Description | Defra grant to Kew for ash genomics research |
Amount | £300,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2017 |
End | 03/2017 |
Description | Defra grant to Kew for ash genomics research 10/2017-3/2018 |
Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2017 |
End | 03/2018 |
Description | Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship |
Amount | € 195,455 (EUR) |
Organisation | European Commission |
Department | Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 06/2015 |
End | 07/2017 |
Description | Science Without Borders PhD Studentship |
Amount | £80,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Government of Brazil |
Department | Science without Borders |
Sector | Public |
Country | Brazil |
Start | 05/2015 |
End | 06/2019 |
Title | Ash genome read data and assembly |
Description | Illumina and 454 reads for a British ash tree, and a draft genome assembly |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2013 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Genome available to other researchers |
URL | http://www.ashgenome.org |
Title | Worldwide ash genomes |
Description | Sequence data and assemblies of whole genome sequences from 24 diploid species and subspecies of Fraxinus (ash trees) |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Acceleration of worldwide ash research |
URL | http://www.ashgenome.org |
Description | Collaboration with Earth Trust |
Organisation | Earth Trust |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Collaboration on ash genomics |
Collaborator Contribution | Provided material |
Impact | Nature paper on ash genome |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | Collaboration with Forest Research |
Organisation | Forest Research |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Sourcing of materials |
Collaborator Contribution | Grafting and propagation and ash dieback screening |
Impact | Still underway |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | Collaboration with TGAC |
Organisation | Earlham Institute |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Sequencing of ash tree genomes |
Collaborator Contribution | DNA sequencing and analysis |
Impact | Nature paper on ash genomics |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | Oxford |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Department | School of Geography and the Environment |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Knowledge of tree genetics and breeding |
Collaborator Contribution | Sociological surveys and focus groups |
Impact | papers in press and policy document |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | US Forest Service |
Organisation | U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA |
Country | United States |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | grant funding |
Collaborator Contribution | Ash tree collection, propagation and screening against emerald ash borer |
Impact | still underway |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | "Plant Health Conference", The Earth Trust, Oxfordshire, 17 Oct 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Politicians, policy makers and supporters of the Earth Trust attended this day confererence, which determined the future direction of research activities at the Earth Trust. Richard Buggs spoke on the value of the Earth Trust's ash tree collections. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | 01/11/15 The Daily Telegraph Ash trees could be genetically modified to resist dieback disease |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Quoted in newspaper article |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | 01/11/15 The Observer With 90% of the UK's ash trees about to be wiped out, could GM be the answer? |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Quoted in news article |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | 02/11/15 The Times GM trees to combat ash dieback |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | quoted in newspaper |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | 03/11/15 The Guardian Ash trees under threat if harmful borer beetle finds way to Britain |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | quoted in newspaper |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | 05/12/18 BBC News Website "Ash dieback: Ash woodlands 'may flourish once again'" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | This no doubt helped many people understand more about the expected outcomes of the ash dieback epidemic in Europe, but we do not have documentation to demonstrate the impact |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46440389 |
Description | 18/11/19 BBC News Website "New hope for trees affected by ash dieback" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | 18/11/19 BBC News Website "New hope for trees affected by ash dieback" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-50420207 |
Description | 18/11/19 BBC News at Six interview on ash dieback with Rebecca Morelle |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | 18/11/19 BBC News at Six interview on ash dieback with Rebecca Morelle |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://twitter.com/RJABuggs/status/1197182648860512257?s=20 |
Description | 18/11/19 BBC Radio 4 PM programme. Interview with Evan Davis. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | 18/11/19 BBC Radio 4 PM programme. Interview with Evan Davis. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | 18/11/19 BBC World Service Outside source interview with Nuala McGovern |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | 18/11/19 BBC World Service Outside source interview with Nuala McGovern |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://twitter.com/RJABuggs/status/1196787503845560320?s=20 |
Description | 18/11/19 The Times "DNA offers hope of beating ash dieback disease" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | 18/11/19 The Times "DNA offers hope of beating ash dieback disease" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dna-offers-hope-of-beating-ash-dieback-disease-9pqg59b7w |
Description | 2/10/20 One O'Clock TV News on BBC One. Interview on ash dieback. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | One O'Clock TV News on BBC One. Interview on ash dieback. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | 2/10/20 Six O'Clock News on BBC Radio 4. Interview on ash dieback |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interview on ash dieback |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | 21/9/20 Knowable Magazine. The accidental tree killers. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | I was interviewed for this article by Stephanie Pain. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.knowablemagazine.org/article/living-world/2020/accidental-tree-killers |
Description | 27/9/20 The Atlantic The plant pandemics just keep on coming - how the world's trees got so sick |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | I was interviewed for this article by Stephanie Pain. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/09/worlds-trees-got-so-sick/616506/ |
Description | 30/09/18 BBC One London News interview on ash dieback with Jim Wheble |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Recorded TV interview for BBC London News |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | 31/01/15 The Sunday Telegraph British woods in crisis as ash disease triples |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | quoted in newspaper article |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | 7/11/21 BBC Countryfile Interview with Tom Heap on genetic solutions to tree pests and pathogens |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interview for BBC Countryfile |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0011g6h/countryfile-plant-britain |
Description | 9/10/21 The Economist Treedemic: Britain's trees are being felled by diseases |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interview with journalist led to article with quotes |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.economist.com/britain/2021/10/09/britains-trees-are-being-felled-by-diseases |
Description | BBC News "Ash tree genome sequenced for first time" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | News article on BBC website |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38416116 |
Description | BBC News TV Live Interview 7/10/14 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | comments from viewers none I am aware of |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dO0t4Vdikc |
Description | BBC Radio 4 Farming Today |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interview on BBC Radio 4 Farming Today on biosecurity and ash dieback |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08hl5k5 |
Description | BBC Radio Africa studio interview on State of the World's Plants |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | BBC Radio Africa studio interview on State of the World's Plants |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | BBC Radio London live studio interview with presenter Vanessa Feltz on State of the World's Plants |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | BBC Radio London live studio interview with presenter Vanessa Feltz on State of the World's Plants |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | BBC World TV News Today live studio interview with presenter Philippa Thomas on State of the World's Plants |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | BBC World TV News Today live studio interview with presenter Philippa Thomas on State of the World's Plants |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | BBSRC Plant Health Working Group - Richard Buggs |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Richard Buggs was on BBSRC Plant Health Working Group |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Babbage Podcast (The Economist) interview on ash tree health |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Babbage Podcast (The Economist) interview on ash tree health |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | https://soundcloud.com/theeconomist/babbage-what-can-science-do-for-my-garden |
Description | Babbage Podcast (The Economist) interview on tree health |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Babbage Podcast (The Economist) interview on tree health |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://soundcloud.com/theeconomist/babbage-trees-take-a-bough |
Description | Daily Express "Ash trees could be saved from killer disease after UK study cracks genetic code" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | News article |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.express.co.uk/news/nature/747435/Ash-trees-killer-disease-British-study-cracks-code |
Description | Daily Mail "Trees resistant to killer fungus could be grown in Britain (but they are more likely to be ravaged by beetles)" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | News article in Daily Mail |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4067228/Trees-resistant-killer-fungus-grown-Britain-l... |
Description | Defra Group International Science Event |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Richard Buggs attended Defra Group International Science Event on 15 October 2018, listening to talks by senior civil servants and leaders of Defra group research organisations. He participated in break out groups on how Defra scientists can work with foreign governments to help them research environmental issues. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Defra TAW-SAG |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Richard Buggs sitting on Defra Trees and Woodlands Scientific Advisory Group |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
URL | https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/trees-and-woodlands-scientific-advisory-group |
Description | Dissemination event for the Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Initiative, at the Radisson Blu Grafton, London, 7 Feb 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Dissemination event for the Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Initiative, at the Radisson Blu Grafton, London, 7 Feb 2018 attended by 50 stakeholders including Lord Gardiner of Kimble and Nicole Spence UK chief plant health officer |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Guardian "British ash trees may resist dieback disease, research reveals" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | News article in Guardian |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/dec/26/british-ash-trees-may-resist-dieback-disease-res... |
Description | Interview for The Conversation |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | I assume people thought about it afterwards |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://theconversation.com/despite-the-lush-summer-leaves-our-trees-are-under-attack-28237 |
Description | Interview with France24 TV |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | I have no idea |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.france24.com/en/20140514-tour-europe-3-lille-france-national-front-election-marine-le-pen... |
Description | Presentation to Defra Ash Dieback Health and Safety Taskgroup, Nobel House, Westminster, 11 May 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Presentation to Defra Ash Dieback Health and Safety Taskgroup, Nobel House, Westminster, 11 May 2017 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Presentation to Ian Boyd, Defra Chief Scientific Advisor, Nobel House, Westminster, 24 Oct 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Presentation on ash dieback to Ian Boyd, Defra Chief Scientific Advisor, Nobel House, Westminster, 24 Oct 2017 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Press release quoted by the Independent |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | 19/11/19 The Independent "Ash dieback: Genetic resistance offers new hope over 'unstoppable' disease expected to kill 70 per cent of species" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/ash-dieback-disease-trees-genetic-resistance-woodlands-eco... |
Description | Spring 2019 BBC Wildlife Magazine "Conservation Report: European common ash". Interview with Stuart Blackman. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Spring 2019 BBC Wildlife Magazine "Conservation Report: European common ash". Interview with Stuart Blackman. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | http://richardbuggs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Buggs-2019-BBCWildlifeMagazine.pdf |
Description | Talk on ash dieback at Forestry Commission's "SE & London Tree Health Event 2018" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Forestry Commission's "SE & London Tree Health Event 2018" attended by 130 tree health professionals, 12 Feb 2018 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | The Future for English Woodlands |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Richard Buggs spoke on ash genomics research at "The Future for English Woodlands" Conference organised by The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers and The Royal Forestry Society, 30 Oct 2018, The National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire. Over 100 chartered surveyors and professional foresters were present. Feedback questionnaires showed that many attendees learned a great deal from the talk and saw the relevance of the research for their own professional work. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |