The American Chestnut Foundation Interview
Known for its rich diversity of benefits and uses – deemed a cradle to grave species – the American chestnut tree provides nutrition for many species and a myriad of ecological benefits.
The American Chestnut Foundation is dedicated to rescuing and restoring the native American chestnut tree.
Find out how a blight managed to wipe out virtually the entire species of American chestnut trees and what we can do to help them.
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December 27, 2022
American Chestnut Foundation Is Rescuing And Restoring The Native American Chestnut Tree
#458 Great.com Talks With... The American Chestnut Foundation
In the early 20th Century, a fungal disease which originated in Asia affected almost the entire species of American chestnut tree. Previously the backbone of the ecosystems in Eastern America, the American chestnut grew where most other plants couldn’t grow and improved the richness of the soil around it. Its leaves are highly nutritious - feeding a variety of wildlife including insects and birds - and its chestnuts are incredibly resilient, surviving frosts in winter and dropping for animals to feast on. In this episode, we spoke with Sara Fitzsimmons from The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) about their research techniques to revive the American chestnut to its full beauty and potential.
The Three B’s: How Biocontrol, Breeding and Biotechnology Could Work to Save the Species
Various different methods have been tested throughout the years in order to restore this magnificent species, but as Sara notes, none of these have been successful and this is why the work of TACF is so crucial. The disease is still out there and although the species is not technically extinct, it ceases to reproduce or serve its fruitful functions. Sara explains TACF’s ‘three B’s’ of potential revival methods: biocontrol, breeding and biotechnology. Respectively, attempting to infect the fungus with a virus, bringing disease resistance from the asiatic species, and modifying the genome in order to increase the American chestnut's resistance.
Listen to the whole interview to find out how restoring the American chestnut would have a positive impact on climate change. You can also read more about TACF’s restoration techniques, listen to their Chestnut Chat series and make a donation to bring back the backbone of Eastern American ecosystems.
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