2BT Science Note 9: Identification of Species-specific Genetic Determinants that Increase Tree Flammability

There is little known about the contribution of chemical traits to tree flammability. Even less is known about the potential genetic determinants of flammability. Improving our knowledge of these two aspects represents an opportunity to develop the way we manage the risk of fire in our forests. This research project seeks to address this opportunity by identifying chemical traits and genes associated with flammability in white and black spruce. This project will support the 2 Billion Trees program by contributing to the management and mitigation of wildfire risks. This will help with the long term survival of planted trees and their continual GHG emission reductions.