PhD defence: Devrim Semizer Cuming

Devrim Semizer Cuming defends her thesis,

Gene flow from planted common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) stands to old-growth forests – implications for conservation and use of genetic resources affected by ash dieback

Supervisors:
Dr. Reiner Finkeldey, University of Kassel, Germany
Professor Erik Dahl Kjær, IGN

Assessment Committee:
Dr. Oliver Galling, University of Göttingen, Germany
Dr. Kurt Weising, University of Kassel, Germany
Professor Jørgen Bo Larsen, IGN
Dr. Christian Ammer (chair), University of Göttingen, Germany

Summary:
In recent years, the emerging infectious pathogen, Hymenoscyphus
fraxineus
, has caused severe ash dieback with high mortality throughout European forests. Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is a keystone species that supports many
associated species in forest ecosystems. It also produces valuable timber and
commonly planted in European forests. The present thesis studies the genetic
interaction between planted and native ash forests by measuring pollen and seed
dispersals across forests and landscapes. Further, the thesis studies to what
extent ash dieback triggers natural selection in favor of healthy trees based
on the variation in reproductive energy and success. The research is based on a
combination of field observations and DNA analyses using population genetics
approaches.

The thesis is available for inspection at the PhD administration office 04.1.413 at Øster Voldgade 10