User: Ville de Québec, Natural Resources Canada
This research aims to protect and restore American elms in Québec, a species severely impacted by Dutch elm disease. By sequencing the DNA of surviving trees in Québec City, we will create a genetic profile that helps us understand the diversity of these elms and identify genetic markers associated with natural resistance to the disease. This genetic information will enable us to identify and track resistant trees, monitoring their populations over time to gain insights into their relatedness and resilience. In addition to creating this genetic profile, we will also test cuttings from these trees in greenhouses to confirm their disease resistance. This will allow us to cultivate new, resilient varieties of elms that are better suited to local conditions. Focusing on local trees ensures that future elm plantings in Quebec are not only disease-resistant but also preserve the ecological traits of native populations. For the public, these efforts will allow the city to offer a wider variety of tree species in community programs, enhancing urban biodiversity, strengthening ecosystems, and providing essential ecological services such as improved air quality, reduced heat, and better stormwater management, directly benefiting local communities.