Schatz Center for Tree Molecular Genetics
The Louis W. Schatz Center for Tree Molecular Genetics at Penn State engages in Conservation Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology research and training focused on species restoration and forest ecosystem sustainability. The Schatz Center endowments established through the generosity and foresight of Dr. L. W. Schatz support post-doctoral fellows, visiting scholars, undergraduate, and graduate students, a biennial colloquium on tree genetics topics, infrastructure, and a wide array of research initiatives.
Latest News
June 3, 2025
Isolated Torrey Pine Populations Yield Insights into Genetic Diversity
Entire regions of trees are disappearing because of invasive pests, disease and a changing climate. The key to their ability to adapt to varied growing conditions and, ultimately, their survival, may reside in the complex genetic makeup of replacement trees, according to forest geneticists tasked with reintroducing tree species. A study of one of the rarest pine trees in the world, Torrey pine, conducted by a team including Penn State scientists, has yielded what the researchers called valuable insight into the value of genetic diversity and the importance of ensuring locally adapted diversity is maintained for restoration. They published their findings in Evolutionary Applications.
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January 11, 2025
Ash Tree Variability may Offer Restoration Path Post-beetle Decimation
New research from the Schatz Center for Tree Molecular Genetics have focused research efforts on Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia) to quantify genomic diversity across the species' range. Leveraging the power of landscape genomics - this research enables us to identify regions of the species' distribution or specific Oregon ash populations that may be of greatest conservation concern and can improve identification of source material for expanding ex situ collection and breeding programs. This study represents the first application of genomic data to conservation and restoration for Oregon ash.
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September 28, 2024
Save the Date! WFGA-SFTIC-NFGA Joint Conference in Forest Genetics to be held June 23-27, 2025 in State College, PA
Mark your calendars for the first ever Joint Conference in Forest Genetics to be hosted by the Western Forest Genetics Association, Southern Forest Tree Improvement Committee, and Northern Forest Genetics Association.
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September 27, 2024
New 'super-pangenomes' project for eastern oak species
A new Community Science Program project at the JGI, proposed by John Carlson, previous Schatz Center director, will result in a ‘super-pangenome’ research platform in support of tree improvement and research on hybridization among white oak and red oak species of eastern North American forests.
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Contact Us
- Associate Professor & Director, Schatz Center for Tree Molecular Genetics
- Email jvh6349@psu.edu
