Researchers have completed the first full-genome sequence of white oak (Quercus alba), a milestone the team says will accelerate efforts to strengthen the species’ resilience to pests, drought, and other stresses across North America.
The sequencing project, led by Meg Staton at the University of Tennessee, maps the white oak’s complete genetic code and provides researchers with the tools to identify genetic markers tied to traits such as pest resistance and climate adaptability: “While decoding the genome is a monumental development, the next step is identifying which genetic markers are critical for sustainability in challenging environments,” Staton said.
White oak populations face shrinking recruitment of seedlings, in part because young trees contend with intense competition from native and invasive plants and increasing environmental stressors. Low successful germination and establishment rates threaten the long‑term viability of the species, which serves as a keystone for wildlife, soil health, and carbon storage.
White oak is prized for both commercial and ecological uses: its dense, durable heartwood is commonly used for flooring, cabinetry, furniture, veneers and joinery, while its tight grain and natural resistance to liquid penetration make it the traditional choice for cooperage, including whiskey and wine barrels; ecologically, mature white oaks provide critical food and habitat for birds, mammals, insects and fungi, contribute to soil stability and nutrient cycling, and store substantial amounts of carbon, making the species important to both local economies and broader ecosystem health.
The sequencing effort was a multi‑institution collaboration that included Drew Larson of Indiana University, the University of Kentucky, and the U.S. Forest Service. Researchers say the new reference genome will speed work to pinpoint genes associated with desirable traits and support breeding and restoration programs aimed at producing more resilient trees.
Complementary research at the Margaret Finley Shackelford Orchard Complex in Tennessee is testing practical approaches to improving oak performance in the landscape. Established in 2001, the facility spans more than 100 acres and pursues precision‑forestry experiments under the leadership of Allan Houston and Scott Schlarbaum. Those trials, which place seedlings into small forest openings and intentionally increase competition, have yielded unexpected successes for several oak species.
Recent trials at the orchard identified white oak, water oak, and cherrybark oak as species that perform well under the experimental regime. The long history of genetic work on white oak, dating back to the 1970s, has informed the development of seed orchards intended to broaden genetic diversity and ensure a reliable supply of planting stock. “UTIA’s accomplishments in DNA decoding, seed orchard development, and precision forestry experiments will strengthen forest ecosystems and ensure their vitality for generations to come,” Schlarbaum said.
Researchers say the genome sequence, paired with on-the-ground seed orchard and silvicultural work, offers a practical path to bolster forest sustainability as pressures on land and resources increase. The team plans to move from sequencing to functional studies linking genes to performance in real‑world conditions and incorporate findings into restoration and breeding programs.
