Overview

• Genomic analysis of trees in Marden Park wood shows thousands of DNA variants linked to healthier, dieback-tolerant ash populations
• Younger ash cohorts exhibit a significant increase in resistant gene variants compared to trees present before the 2012 fungal invasion
• Scientists warn that natural selection alone may not achieve full resilience without enhancing genetic diversity through human action
• Selective breeding programs and protective measures such as sapling fences are identified as key strategies to accelerate resistance evolution
• Defra’s Chief Plant Health Officer highlights that combining breeding initiatives with natural regeneration could safeguard Britain’s native ash