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Dept. of Forest Resources
University of Minnesota
115 Green Hall
1530 Cleveland Ave. N.
St. Paul, MN  55108-6112

Call us! 612.624.3400
Fax us! 612.625.5212
E-mail us! frweb@umn.edu

 

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Andrew David 

Andrew David
Associate Professor

Ph.D. 1996 Michigan State University
Forest genetics, tree improvement

Office: North Central Research and Outreach Center
Mailing Address: 1861 Highway 169 East,
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: (218) 327-4521
Fax: (218) 327-4126
E-mail: adavid@umn.edu

Areas of Interest

Forest genetics is the study of genetic variation in forest tree species. In a broad sense forest genetics is concerned with how genes move within and among populations and the forces that shape gene frequencies. Tree improvement, a branch of forest genetics, produces seedlings for reforestation or restoration work that have increased growth rates, disease resistance and wood quality while still preserving their adaptation to local growing conditions. Breeders accomplish this goal by managing the genetic variation in a population so that the frequency of the desired genes is increased.

My primary research interests are a) application of breeding strategies and silvicultural systems to increase forest productivity, b) the evaluation and creation of increased blister rust resistance in eastern white pine, and c) impacts of disturbance on the genetic integrity of forested populations.

Students that work with me on research projects typically have backgrounds in one or more of the following: forestry, genetics, silviculture, plant physiology, plant pathology, nursery management, or statistics.

Courses taught

ESPM 3101/5101 Conservation of Plant Biodiversity, 3 credits (Fall)
FR 2101 Identification of Forest Plants, 1 credit (Cloquet Summer Session, co-taught)
FR 3612/5612 Silviculture and Timber Harvesting Practices, 1 credit (Spring, co-taught)
FR 8102 Research Problems in Forest Genetics, 1-5 credits (by arrangement)