Participants: Rosario García Gil (SLU, P2), Kathryn Robinson (UMU, P2), Robert Nilsson (RISE, P2)

Duration: 2026-2027

This project addresses the increasing risk of frost damage in boreal forests under changing climate conditions, where warmer winters and early spring temperatures can trigger premature de-hardening in trees. The researchers aim to develop a new method for detecting frost damage in Norway spruce using SilviScan technology, advanced image analysis and wood property measurements.

By combining frost-ring detection with genomic and climate data, the project seeks to improve understanding of frost tolerance and identify tree families with higher resilience to freezing events. The work may contribute to future forest breeding strategies, assisted migration decisions and improved wood quality in northern forestry systems.

Call: Annual 2026