Chestnut Chat: Darling 58 & Science Strategy Update part 1

[@nickrowe9221]

Thank you to everyone working so hard on restoring this wonderful tree. We still have some small groves of these in my area in NH it is always a blast to come across them.

[@jon6288]

Devastating. When were the first indications that there was a problem with D58? Just seems like an incredible reverse-course from the last Chestnut Chat.

[@Biophile23]

Thanks for rerecording this! I was so bummed when I realized I missed the live version. Very clearly explained as far as the science goes. Its a real bummer D58/54 turned out to be so problematic but understandable with 35S. I think I remember reading that they tried a vascular promoter first but it didnt do much so they switched to 35S. Hopefully tgose involved will figure out the right combination of approaches soon. :)

[@WhatWeDoChannel]

You guys are so positive but I realize this really must have been quite a blow for you all! Please keep up the work, this is going to take some time! I’m really excited to hear more about the work to find and improve natural resistance among pure American chestnuts, I have heard that is the focus here in Canada. Perhaps they are quietly coming back on their own!?

[@goldenacres3269]

Thank you for recreating this Chestnut Chat. How do you distinguish the detrimental effect of the 35s:oxo from the consequence of inactivating the SAL1 gene?

[@tmc200527]

What are TACF research seeds? Are they actual seeds from the American Chestnut Tree or are they from modified trees?

[@danhealyeverythingoutdoors7105]

Darn...one disappointment after another !