Pollen, controlled crosses & RGS
Connect the best large survivors, then let field data and genomic prediction help identify exceptional offspring.
Make the cross that nature cannot.
Large surviving American chestnuts are often miles apart. By collecting pollen and applying it to selected trees at Matthews, we can create families that would never form naturally.
We work with a network of chestnut enthusiasts who collect pollen from large survivors, and we collect pollen ourselves. Each sample is labeled, dried, stored, and used for carefully documented controlled pollinations at the Matthews orchard. The result is seed from exceptional survivors that may be separated by many miles or even by mountain ranges.
Survivors worth connecting.
These large survivors contribute distinct American chestnut genetics to the breeding network. Pollen collection lets us connect them with selected orchard trees while preserving the identity of each parent.
Floyd 4
Large surviving American chestnut and pollen source.
Carrie Blaire 1
Large surviving American chestnut and pollen source.
Deane 1
Another large survivor contributing to the wider network of breeding material.
We support TACF's RGS program.
The nuts from each cross we create enter The American Chestnut Foundation’s recurrent genomic selection program. RGS links DNA profiles with measured disease responses so TACF can predict which related seedlings are most likely to carry superior resistance, then improve those predictions with each new round of field data.
Preserve the pedigree
Keep every nut tied to its known mother and pollen parent.
Grow the offspring
Germinate the controlled-cross nuts and collect tissue from the resulting seedlings.
Profile the DNA
Use genomic relationships to compare seedlings with trees whose disease responses have already been measured.
Predict resistance
Rank related seedlings for their likelihood of carrying stronger blight resistance.
Test and improve
Plant field trials, measure disease response, and feed the new results back into the model.
A vial of pollen can connect trees separated by mountains.
Collection, labeling, drying, shipment, and controlled pollination are all jobs where trained volunteers can make a direct scientific contribution.