NATSEED aimed at developing national seed sourcing strategies
NATSEED is a one-year project aimed at developing seed sourcing strategies for Ireland's native forestry species.
NATSEED is a one-year project aimed at developing seed sourcing strategies for Ireland's native forestry species.
In the latest Teagasc newsletter, Saoirse O'Neill (Field Research Technician, Teagasc), Dr Colin Kelleher (Keeper of the National Herbarium, National Botanic Gardens) and Dr Dheeraj Singh Rathore (Tree Improvement Research Officer, Teagasc), highlight aspects of the project and of its potential applications in terms of Ireland's native tree species.
The project was launched in April 2025, and is led by the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, in collaboration with Teagasc.
The project is funded by the DAFM.
Among the stakeholders involved in the project are Coillte, NoneSo-Hardy (Forestry) Ltd and Woodlands of Ireland.
The Teagasc newsletter noted that the project focuses on high-priority species, such as alder, downy birch, silver birch, sessile oak, pedunculate oak, and Scots pine, with hazel and holly, as medium to low priority.
Those involved with the project noted that the knowledge of species biology, geographical distribution, and genetic diversity, will be drawn upon with the aim of developing practical, seed-sourcing strategies, 'aligned with national forestry targets'.
Alongside stakeholder engagement, seed quality tests and data collation is also ongoing, the noted.
According to the newsletter the final output will be a policy document summarising seed quality results, seed sources, knowledge gaps and recommended sourcing strategies for each target species.
One strand of the project is looking at the impact of long-term storage on birch and alder seeds.
Material from Teagasc’s indoor seed orchard and from NoneSo-Hardy Ltd has been stored for between one and 15 years.
Tests will evaluate whether current storage conditions are suitable for maintaining viability over time.
If effective, long-term storage could help secure a reliable supply of seed to support afforestation efforts.
All target species are included in the DAFM Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027, which is expected to increase demand for Forest Reproductive Materials (FRM).
Most years, seed availability often exceeds immediate demand.
Developing effective sourcing and storage strategies will allow these peaks in seed supply to be harnessed more effectively.
Through this work, NATSEED will equip the forestry sector with a framework to meet planting targets while safeguarding native genetic diversity.
To find out more about the this and other forestry related initiatives, schemes and projects go to teagasc.ie
