Future Oak

Oak trees are home to a wide range of microorganisms, known as the oak microbiome, many of which have beneficial effects on tree health. They also host bacteria which can contribute to Acute Oak Decline (AOD), a serious threat facing native oak trees in Britain. The aim of the Future Oak project is to gain a better understanding of the identity of these microorganisms, what they do, and their role within the oak microbiome. This will help develop biocontrol methods which support beneficial microorganisms and suppress pathogens.

The key objectives of the project are as follows;

  1. Characterise the oak microbiome in healthy and AOD affected trees at sites across Britain
  2. Identify AOD disease-suppressive microorganisms in the oak microbiome
  3. Using these naturally disease-suppressive microorganisms of the oak microbiome, design a biocontrol treatment that will suppress AOD lesion formation
  4. Engage with woodland managers and stakeholders to explore understandings and attitudes to the microbiome, engineered biocontrol treatments, and wider issues of oak health and management

Future Oak Project Publications and Outputs



Meet the Future Oak Team