Northern Research Station
11 Campus Blvd., Suite 200
Newtown Square, PA 19073
(610) 557-4017
(610) 557-4132 TTY/TDD
Title: Biologist
Unit: Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Previous Unit: Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center
Address: Northern Research Station
Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center, 715 W. State Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2061
Phone: 765-496-3624
E-mail: Contact Jim McKenna
USDA Juglans Crop Germplasm Committee, Indiana Nut Growers Association, Indiana Walnut Council, Indiana Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation
HTIRC's main objective is the production of quality planting stock for public and private landowners who are interested in reforestation and for the fine hardwood timber companies interested in utilizing plantation grown timber. By developing advanced lines of improved planting stock, the outcome of our research will increase the profitability of plantation forestry and provide future economic benefits to the fine hardwood forestry industry in the United States. Our attention to conserve and maintain genetic diversity in our breeding populations will help promote long term sustainability of these hardwood species for future reforestation.
In cooperation with public and private forestry nurseries, creation of seed orchards for the production of improved seed for black walnut, black cherry, and northern red oak seed. Development of novel and valuable hybrid walnut selections. In cooperation with the American Chestnut Foundation, creation of two chestnut blight resistant seed orchards for Indiana. Development of butternut canker resistant seed orchards for landowners in much of the Central Hardwood Region. Utilize DNA markers and current progeny tests to develop 2nd generation seed orchards for additional improvement and future seed orchards. Separate butternut hybrids from pure butternut and conserve an adequate genetic base for long term restoration of butternut. Develop white oak and northern red oak planting stock with precocity (early acorn production) and high acorn yield to provide mast for wildlife.
Last Modified: 11/19/2008