Keith Woeste

Title: Research Plant Molecular Geneticist
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: 765-496-6808
E-mail: Contact Keith Woeste

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Education

• University of California, Davis, Ph.D., Genetics, 1994
• University of California, Davis, M.S., Genetics, 1993
• University of California, Davis, M.S., Horticulture, 1990
• Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, M.Div., 1986
• University of Florida, B.S., 1980

Civic & Professional Affiliations

American Society of Plant Biology

Current Research

The Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC) performs research in four areas that develop and disseminate knowledge on

1. improving the genetic quality of hardwood tree species,
2. conserving fine hardwood germplasm,
3. restoring and regenerating sustainable hardwood forests and riparian zones for production of forest products and maintenance of genetically diverse ecosystems, and
4. forest genetics and genomics.

The HTIRC is a unique regional and collaborative research, development and technology transfer effort that applies classical breeding, genomics, genetic modification, advancedpropagation, production, and silviculture to benefit industry, private landowners and the scientific community

Why is This Important

Fine hardwoods such as black walnut and white oak are an important economic and ecological resource. Landowners in the Central Hardwood Region have a long history of afforestation and interest in obtaining the highest quality planting stock. They look to the Forest Service and other public agencies to provide them with guidance concerning the best practices for establishing and managing their forest plantings. Basic research in the biology and genetics of fine hardwoods has lagged behind that of conifers over the last century. The pressures of increased demand for hardwood products, urban expansion, and the limits placed on logging on public lands have meant that we need to find ways to make more hardwood on private lands. Most forest landowners in the Central Hardwood Region own small properties and there are few large, industrial holdings. Thus, research and technology transfer must address highly localized needs.

Future Research

• Understanding of the genetic and epigenetic regulation of wood grain formation
• Use of RFID technology to monitor and maintain long-term field studies
• Butternut conservation breeding and genetics
• Chestnut reproductive biology and gene flow after species reintroduction
• Marker-assisted breeding and selection in hardwoods
• Genetics of hardwood nursery stock growth and outplanting performance
• Use of hybrids to improve growth and quality of hardwoods

Featured Publications

Additional Online Publications