What are your research topics?
I primarily investigate the genetic diversity, evolution and adaptation of trees. Genetic diversity is studied through both phenotype, or measurable characteristics, and molecular methods. We rely heavily on DNA and RNA sequencing to measure the diversity and function of genes. At the moment our research focuses on two species, silver birch and pine, but we have also conducted comparative studies on several European forest tree species.
In essence, I'm interested in the functioning and effect of various evolutionary forces in trees, which have a very long life and are typically genetically well adapted to their growth sites. What is the role of random mutations, gene flow, chance and natural selection in the variation we currently see? Has evolution been similar in birches and pines, which are both boreal, widely spread and well-adapted species with genomes whose size differs greatly? How does adaptation manifest at the genetic level? What parts of the genome conceal the significant differences between southern and northern trees?
I’m also interested in the role of the regulatory mechanisms for gene expression in evolution. I consider coniferous trees a particularly interesting research topic, as they have a lot of biologically distinctive traits. They differ greatly from the angiospermous model species studied, particularly in terms of their reproductive biology. For example, pine seeds contain several embryos during initial development, of which only one ultimately survives. It is fascinating to investigate the role of this competition between embryos or the mother tree in determining the winning embryo, or the possibility that the whole system is just a random twist of evolution.
Where and how does the topic of your research have an impact?
My research helps us understand the factors affecting tree adaptation. For example, we can predict how long it will take trees to adapt to future environmental change and which species are likely to survive these changes. I also wish to expand the current methods of botany and plant genomics to less studied species, such as coniferous trees, which will diversify our notions of biodiversity and evolution.
Our work is also associated with efforts related to genetic resources, which aim to preserve the genetic diversity of trees through international networks. We help to develop comparable methods of measuring genetic variation, which are also important to decision-makers.
My research also has applications in the breeding of forest trees. The genetic tools we are designing already help in determining the interrelations and genealogies used for breeding. Tree breeding can be accelerated and fine-tuned to various needs, be they financial or related to, for example, carbon sinks, by combining gene techniques, remote sensing, modelling and high-performance computing. Tools designed by us for the genetic identification of pines have even been used for criminal investigations!
What is particularly inspiring in your field right now?
Right now, I’m excited about combining genomics techniques, machine learning and remote sensing data in tree research. These three fields have recently advanced very rapidly, and there is a great deal of untapped potential in putting them together.
In addition to its financial significance, the breeding of forest trees has great potential for Finland as a climate action. We have a tremendous amount of knowledge and skills, and forests are full of diversity that may hold the key to solving many future challenges. I would like to see even more national and international cooperation and open sharing of knowledge and material in forest tree breeding. I also wish that decision-makers and the private sector would appreciate more the genetic diversity of our forests and its potential as one of our national treasures.