Current projects
Genomic tools for wood traceability
Illegal logging damages our forests, the environment and the people depending on it. But to stop the illegal harvest and import of trees, we need to know where the wood comes from. This is where genomics come into play. The more related two trees are, the more genetic information they share. Therefore, we use genetic fingerprints to assign single trees to specific regions by making use of the evolution. We try different genetic methods to trace back their origin. The goal is to make it more difficult to sell illegally harvested timber and thus contribute to the protection of valuable forests.
Using Genetics to Protect and Restore Forests under Climate Change
Understanding how tree species can adapt to climate change is essential for protecting forests in the future. In our project, we study the genetics of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) across North America and bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa), a hardy oak species important for reforestation in Canada. By analyzing their genetic makeup and growth traits, we build models to predict which populations may struggle or thrive under future climate conditions. This knowledge can guide assisted migration and reforestation programs, helping ensure healthy, climate-resilient forests.
Journal Publications
Zacharias, M., Pampuch, T., Burger, A., Trouillier, M., Würth, D., Basnet, S., … Wilmking, M. (2025). Is local the best? Phenotypic plasticity vs local adaptation in a reciprocal transplant experiment with white spruce in Alaska. Trees, 39(3), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-025-02626-w
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Dittrich, C., Pecenka, R., Selge, B., Zacharias, M., Kruggel-Emden,H. (2024):
Production and investigation of water absorbent fibre pellets from unutilised lignocellulosic biomass pre-processed in a twin-screw extruder. Industrial Crops and Products, Volume 214 (2024) 118525, doi:10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.118525.
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Tischenko, L., Williams, M., DeMerchant, I., Sambaraju, K., Zacharias, M., Soolanayakanahally, R., …, Porth, I. (2024). Oak genomics for nature-based solutions: shaping future forests and resilient landscapes in Canada. Tree Genetics & Genomes, 20(3), 1-28, doi:10.1007/s11295-024-01645-x
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Zacharias, M., Pampuch, T., Dauphin, B., Opgenoorth, L., Roland, C., Schnittler, M., Wilmking, M., Bog, M., Heer, K. (2022): Genetic basis of growth reaction to drought stress differs in contrasting high-latitude treeline ecotones of a widespread conifer. Molecular Ecology, doi: 10.1111/mec.16648
Zacharias, M., Pampuch, T., Heer, K., Avanzi, C., Würth, D.G., Trouillier, M., Bog, M., Wilmking, M., Schnittler, M. (2021): Population structure and the influence of microenvironment and genetic similarity on individual growth at Alaskan white spruce treelines. Science of the Total Environment 798 (2021) 149267, doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149267
Pampuch, T., Anadon-Rosell, A., Zacharias, M., von Arx, G., Wilmking, M. (2020): Xylem Anatomical Variability in White Spruce at Treeline Is Largely Driven by Spatial Clustering. Frontiers in Plant Science 11, Article 581378, doi: 10.3389/fpls.2020.581378
Meyer, M.; Zacharias, M.; Morgenstern, K.; Krabel, D.; Liesebach, H. (2018): Variable genotypes at the cpDNA marker locus trnDT in spontaneous rejuvenation of the species complex around the European black poplar (Populus nigra L.) and its relatives collected in Germany. Applied Agricultural and Forestry Research, 68 (2018) 93-102, doi: 10.3220/LBF1544605045000
Conference contributions
Presentation "Adapting Forest Practices to Climate Change: Informing Assisted Migration using Genomics. Plant & Animal Genome Conference 2025 , San Diego (USA).
Invited Speaker: How to support reforestation and assisted migration in Quaking Aspen with genetic analysis. Aspen Genetics Panel 2024, Gunnison (USA).
Presentation "Genomic offset in Populus tremuloides, a keystone species in North America", Forest Genetics 2023 - Discovery & Innovation in Changing Climates, CFGA/WFGA, Vernon (Canada)
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Presentation “Genetic signatures of drought stress tolerance in contrasting treeline ecotones of a widespread conifer in Alaska”, EvolTree Conference 2021 – Genomics and Adaptation in Forest Ecosystems, WSL Birmensdorf (Switzerland)
Poster “Population structure and the influence of microenvironment and genetic similarity on individual growth at Alaskan white spruce treelines”, 2021 Forest Genetics Student Symposium (virtual event)
Poster "Spatial genetic differentiation in Picea glauca stands in Alaska", Gentree conference 2020 - Genetics to the rescue, Avignon Université (France)
Reviewing activity for scientific journals
Heredity - 2024
Heredity - 2023
Evolutionary Applications - 2023
Frontiers of plant science - 2022