In RP2, OptFORESTS significantly reinforced the scientific basis supporting its objectives. A key achievement is the consolidation of a phenotypic database from existing common gardens, comprising nearly one million observations across 70 trials and 10 species, now fully curated and supporting modelling activities. In parallel, a large tree-ring database covering 3,353 trees from six species and 23 trials is nearing completion, enabling refined analyses of climate–growth relationships. Major progress was also made in genomic data generation, including whole-genome sequencing of 778 oaks, contributing to peer-reviewed outputs such as a published study on genomic offset predictions in maritime pine, and feeding ongoing analyses linking genetic diversity, adaptation, and management.
The next-generation common garden network advanced rapidly, with 29 common gardens established across 17 countries and five climate zones. This large multi-species, multi-provenance infrastructure provides a long-term platform to investigate species mixtures, provenance interactions, and climate-driven responses.
Modelling activities were initiated using consolidated phenotypic data, supported by completed germination and growth chamber experiments for five species. Additional progress includes published work on non-invasive germination prediction using near-infrared spectroscopy, ongoing maternal-effect experiments, and advances in low-input breeding research, including estimation of genetic parameters and the development of diversified breeding strategies.
RP2 also strengthened the integration of genetic knowledge into forest management tools, notably marteloscope-based training and decision-support systems. Four regional case studies were launched to support landscape-scale management of forest genetic resources. Experimental work on forest reproductive material (FRM) production continued, addressing germination constraints, seed-harvest timing, and storage. In parallel, the assessment of the European nursery sector was completed, indicating a production capacity of 2.4–3 billion seedlings per year, and progress was made in modelling future FRM demand across Europe. Field sites for genetic enrichment and restoration were advanced, and simulation studies on adaptive management in declining forests were initiated, supported by new multigenerational genomic datasets for ash and oak.
