Hello All,

Does anyone know of a group or university that screens elm trees for resistance to DED? I am currently operating a project that propagates trees as part of an urban beautification project with the Bioengineering Department of Binghamton University, and we have recently come into an abundance of American Elm seed, all or near all of which is probably not DED resistant, but we would like to learn how to do the screening ourselves. Being a bioengineering department, we have all the biotechnology in the world at our disposal, so that will not be an issue. I would also like to test a collection of naturally growing trees I have come across. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks,

Werner J Stiegler

wstiegl1@binghamton.edu

In case you were interested, here is the program flyer:

Memorial Tree Program

What we do: Each year early in the spring semester seeds of various tree varieties are planted into 1 gallon milk containers. These containers are placed outdoors to allow springs freezes and thaws to aid the seeds in the task of reducing germination inhibitors on their coat, and in softening this coat to allow the seed to break through. The exposure to outdoor conditions and microbes in the soil also selects for the stronger more sustainable plants. The plants that survive to outgrow the containers are then propagated in pots for two seasons until they are a foot or more in height and are large enough to be easily handled and likely to survive transplanting. The juvenile trees are then planted in the community where other trees have died of disease, age, damage etc, in parks and road sides where they can be used for beautifying the Binghamton community, on campus where they are wanted, and in reforestation projects. For each tree planted, it can be requested that the tree be commemorated in a persons name or memory with a suggested donation of $5 to the Binghamton Bioengineers. If we have more trees than we are able to find places to plant them, they will be sold to the community at $1 per tree with all proceeds benefiting the group.

How you can help:

 Save clean empty 1 gallon milk containers

 Collect Acorns, fruit and nut seeds, and any other native or ornamental tree seeds.

 Provide us with information pertaining to any sources of well aged compost for potting.

 Keep an eye out for pots that neighbors may be putting out to the trash, or for greenhouses and garden centers that may be willing to contribute 1 gallon plastic pots to this project.

 Provide your time to help plant seeds or trees

 Provide us with information pertaining to places whether they be parks, areas on campus etc. that would be interested in adopting any of our trees, and the contact information to obtain permission for such plantings.

 Get involved: the student body is constantly changing and since each tree takes two seasons to reach planting size, we will need people to keep the project going, and places where we can raise our containers and young plants.

If you have any items to contribute, you can bring them to BBE meetings, drop them off at 86 Murray St. Binghamton (behind the building), or you can arrange to have them picked up. For questions, to get involved, or to arrange to have items picked up, contact:

Werner Stiegler at wstiegl1@binghamton.edu

Well cleaned milk containers only please