Barb Thomas

A research team at the University of Alberta is looking into why some trees in Alberta are more resilient when faced with drought, disease and the risk of wildfires by sequencing tree genomes. …The genome Alberta resilient forests project, led by U of A professor Barb Thomas are using the genetic makeup of trees to map out the genome for pine and spruce trees. “We measure populations and make assessments and measurements … to produce progeny that could then be used for reforestation,” Thomas said. …The Genome Alberta Resilient Forests project is already getting a lot of attention from the province and timber industry. “We are working to understand the impacts of the changing climate on the forest and are supporting research into the genetics of trees that appear to be better adapted to the future climate,” wrote Richard Briand, chief forester for West Fraser’s Alberta branch.