Chestnut Chat- Evolution of Castanea and Cryphonectria

Join us February 16, 2024, from 11:30AM – 1:00PM (EPT), for the next LIVE Chestnut Chat.

In this edition, Joanna Malukiewicz will discuss the interplay in the evolution of Castanea and the chestnut blight fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica). Listen in to learn about the fascinating history of ancient natural hybridization among chestnut species across East Asia, Europe, and North America, and whether or not hybridization has played any role in the relative blight resistance or susceptibility of the extant chestnut species.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE (via Zoom Webinar)

Pre-registration is required to attend this event. After registering you will receive a unique URL link to join the event on the day of the chat. You can also add the event to your calendar from the webinar registration approval page. The meeting will open 15 minutes prior to the start time to allow an audio and video test.

Dr. Joanna Malukiewicz has been a research associate working with Drs. Jason Holliday (VT) and Jared Westbrook (TACF) to elucidate how the evolutionary history of chestnuts (Castanea) has influenced their susceptibility and resistance to chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica). Her work on Castanea has included analysis of whole genomic resequencing data to look into questions regarding phylogeny, genetic diversity, and hybridization of chestnuts and the natural history of chestnut blight. She has also contributed to analysis of functional genomic data of chestnuts. Dr. Malukiewicz has specifically focused on elucidating the role of hybridization in shaping divergence and resistance and susceptibility of various chestnut species to chestnut blight.