Austria’s Future Forest Seeds

Austrian forests are experiencing severe climate change impacts, both directly through the shifts of abiotic conditions and habitat suitability, as well as indirectly through the increased frequency and intensity of disturbances such as wind throws and bark beetle outbreaks. Successful restoration of the affected areas will require afforestation or natural recruitment, both of which depend on the quality and quantity of seed production by climate resilient tree species. Because seed production in most temperate forest trees varies strongly over time in a synchronized manner, a phenomenon termed masting, available seed quantities for replanting and natural regeneration vary extensively between years. A forward-looking strategy for the restoration of Austria’s forests therefore requires a thorough understanding of the mechanistic drivers of the quantity and quality of seed production to develop strategies that optimize seed harvests, both in certified seed stands as well as in seed orchards. The goal of this research project is to investigate the drivers of seed production, seed quality and seed genetic diversity of Austria’s forest tree species, to determine the effects of climate change thereon, and to assess strategies that improve the reliability and quality of seeds available for afforestation. The project will test and apply innovative seed orchard management practises to improve seed production for oak and silver fir. Furthermore, natural recruitment dynamics and their limitations throughout the seed and seedling phase will be quantified to evaluate “hands-off” management approaches. The project will aim to include small-scale forest owners, whose seed harvesting efforts could help mitigate national shortages, while their involvement also increases awareness for forest management issues in the changing climate. In close coordination with practitioners, we aim to derive recommendations and methods to increase yields and maintain genetic diversity of seed crops.