We sincerely invite you to participate in the 8th IUFRO Workshop on Resistance Mechanisms and Breeding in Forest Trees that will take place in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada from June 1 - 6, 2025. 

This workshop is organized and hosted by the IUFRO working parties 7.03.11 (Resistance to Insects and Pathogens) and 2.02.15 (Breeding and Genetic Resources of Five-Needle Pines). It will include five days of scientific talks, poster sessions and field tours. 

The Tree Resistance Workshop series has been very successful with several past meetings including Pontevedra, Spain in 2022, Mount Sterling, Ohio, USA in 2018, Orleans, France in 2013 and Eugene, Oregon, USA in 2011. This workshop series provides a forum to discuss the status and future plans for tree resistance breeding programs and scientific research in the field of tree resistance mechanisms against pathogens and insects. It has a long history with the first being hosted in Pennsylvania, USA in 1964. 

Vernon is the location of the Kalamalka Forestry Centre which is the centre of operations for the British Columbia provincial orchard and tree breeding programs east of the Coastal Mountains. There are several seed orchards and forest genetics research trials near town making it the perfect location for a forest genetics conference. Vernon is a 'hidden gem' in the North Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, offering a blend of adventure, relaxation, and stunning natural beauty with crystal clear lakes surrounding the city, and plenty of superb restaurants and vineyards. Spring in Vernon is a wonderful season full of life and color, and temperatures are pleasant in early June with an average of 16°C with daily highs of 25°C. Rain is generally rare so you can enjoy clear skies and sun during your visit.   

The scientific community is pushing for an urgent multidisciplinary and coordinated effort to solve challenges related to pathogens and insects, making use of existing knowledge and new results, strategies and technologies. This is one of the rare IUFRO working parties that is encouraging a multi-disciplinary effort that will lead to improved genetic resistance in breeding programs around the world.

The topics of discussion will include, among others: 

• conventional tree breeding initiatives selected for resistance
• mechanisms of recognition and signaling of biotic damage and plant defensive strategies
• antagonistic relationships in natural and managed tree populations
• new methods, technology, and tools for resistance screening
• the impact of climate change on emerging diseases,
• ecology and genetics of resistance
• the use of molecular genetic techniques (e.g., GWAS, genomic selection, metabolomics) looking at resistance
• interactive effects of climate change and abiotic stressors with biotic resistance
• the role of the microbiome in resistance. 

The primary audience includes those involved with operational tree breeding, for resistance programs as well as academic researchers and extension professionals involved in the study of mechanisms of resistance. We welcome the participation of students and early career professionals.

Register today to take advantage of the early bird pricing until January 15, 2025:
Early Bird Delegate Registration: $650.00 CAD
Early Bird Student Registration: $350.00 CAD

After January 15, 2025 pricing will increase to: 
Delegate Registration: $850.00 CAD
Student Registration: $450.00 CAD

Caterina Villari* – University of Georgia

Michelle Cleary* – Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Sebastian Ibarra-Jimenez – BC Ministry of Forests

Alvin Yanchuk* – BC Ministry of Forests

David Noshad* – BC Ministry of Forests

Nicholas Ukrainetz – BC Ministry of Forests

Richard Sniezko* – US Forest Service

Paal Krokene* – Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO)

Anna Conrad* – US Forest Service

*  also participate on the scientific committee

Division 7 includes research on: physiological and genetic interactions between trees and harmful biotic impacts, including resistance mechanisms; biological and applied aspects of tree diseases; environment/ pathogen interactions in forest decline; the biology and control of forest tree insects; and impacts of air pollution on forest trees and forest ecosystems, including diagnosis, monitoring, biology, genetics and treatment of polluted forests and other wooded lands.

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We would love to partner with you! Contact our team to discuss available opportunities.