SilvaBio combined genomic analysis with accelerated breeding techniques to identify naturally resilient trees. Early trials found the new cultivar developed significantly smaller blight cankers than conventional American chestnuts, while maintaining genetic diversity.

Credits: Unsplash; Author: Georg Eiermann;

The American chestnut was devastated by an introduced fungal disease in the early 1900s, leaving the species functionally extinct across much of its native range. SilvaBio says its breeding method shortens each breeding cycle from about 10 years to one by encouraging faster flowering under controlled conditions. The company hopes the same approach could also help restore American elm, ash and white oak.