Schatz Center hosts 2015 annual meeting of The American Chestnut Foundation
Posted: June 26, 2016
The Schatz Center for Tree Molecular Genetics successfully hosted the 2015 annual meeting of The American Chestnut Foundation® (TACF) on OCTOBER 23 - 24, 2015 at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, State College, PA. TACF and the Schatz Tree Genetics Colloquium partnered to provide TACF members with a unique state-of-the-art learning opportunity entitled "Integrating Genomics Tools in American Chestnut Restoration".
Scientists from around the world presented he latest research related to chestnut genomics including genome sequencing, genetic mapping, marker-assisted selection techniques, as well as historical overview of the development of molecular genetics, genomics, and biotechnology capabilities in forest tree species. The event included hands-on learning opportunities as well, including a DNA extraction lab exercise, a bioinformatics workshop on how to use the chestnut genome browser, and an open panel discussion with genomics experts.
The event also featured a field trip to the Penn State Arboretum’s BC3F2 seed orchard to observe highly-resistant American chestnuts from the PA Chapter’s breeding program.
The meeting was a success attended by over 220 people, including students and faculty from the Penn State University Park campus.