Contact: John McLaughlin
Butternut contributes to the biodiversity of southern Ontario forests and is a nutritious food source for several animal species. However, this tree species is endangered, due largely to an invasive alien fungal disease called butternut canker.
Researchers are working on using DNA analysis to identify pure butternut (which tends to hybridize), testing various genetic families of pure butternut for resistance, and re-introducing disease-tolerant butternut across southern Ontario.
Results will help forestry professionals sustain the biodiversity of southern Ontario forests by returning butternut to its former range in Ontario.
