American Chestnut Restoration

After the functional extinction of the American chestnut, many restoration efforts have taken place using different strategies to try to create a resistance to the invasive blight responsible for the tree’s demise. This program will review the biotechnology involved in the chestnut restoration program and the approval status of the “Darling,” a blight tolerant pure American chestnut. Regulation and launch of the blight tolerant American chestnut is expected in 2026.