Erik Dahl Kjær

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My main interest is development of genetically sustainable management and domestication practices of trees in the face of climate change. 

In our research group on Forest Genetics and Diversity we study more than 25 European species including Quercus, Fraxinus, Tilia, Ulmus, Corylus, Prunus, Cystisus, Castanea, Juglas, Malus, Picea, Abies, Larix and Pinus . We analyse fitness traits based on common garden trials combined with genomic techniques and dendroecological and ecophysiological metods in order to study  adaptive processes and capacity. We also study the potential of North American species for growth under Danish conditions.

Currently, I am  in charge of  a major study on adaptive potential of the native Danish oak species to future climatic conditions.  In recent years, I have become increasingly interested in the role of interactions bentween tree and their  microbiomes. I have during the last decade been part in several studies on genetics of host pathogen interaction with focus on tolerance of  European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) against the novel Ash decline (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) in Europe. In recent years,  we have expanded this research to study the Ash holobiont and the importance of the microbiome for healthy ash trees. Development of guidelines that can facilitate recovery of the ash forests is an important goal for most of research in ash these years. 

I am involved in management of the the Hørsholm Arboretum, which is the Danish national Arboretum with more than 1500 different woody plant species.

Outside Europe, I am currrently involved in studies of  tropical food tree species in co-operation with partners in West Africa. I also have close cooperatuon with researcher in India on studies of teak (Tectona grandis), a species that I have  studied during almost  three decades.