American chestnut trees are “technically extinct”
Good news! this article understates the current stage of development for at least one of the reintroduction projects.<p>A blight resistance gene (oxalate oxidase) has been added by state university researchers in new york. The genetically modified trees are being crossed with pure-bred chestnuts for improved genetic diversity before wider distribution.
<a href="http://www.esf.edu/chestnut/" rel="nofollow">http://www.esf.edu/chestnut/</a><p>The plan is to distribute seeds from these trees within 5 years through a partnership between SUNY-ESF and the NY chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation.<p>I've committed to planting at least 4500 of these trees (interspersed across 60+ acres) in their native forest setting once available. If you care about the chestnut or ecology but agroforestry isn't your thing, these organizations could really use donations to ensure this project continues.