Rapid germination of seeds of European ash ( Fraxinus excelsior ) to restore populations in the face of ash dieback

The ash dieback epidemic spreading across Europe has created an urgent need to propagate ash (Fraxinus excelsior) trees with demonstrable resistance to the disease, both to support restoration of ash populations in the landscape and to advance research. Seed propagation remains the most effective approach to preserve the high genetic diversity of F. excelsior populations. It ensures the retention of genetic variation critical for long-term adaptability to environmental change. We employed an embryo extraction technique originally developed by Raquin et al. ([2002]. Rapid seedling obtaining from European ash species Fraxinus excelsior (L.) and Fraxinus angustifolia (Vahl.). Ann For Sci. 59:219224. https://doi.org/10.1051/forest:2002009), which we adapted to retain high germination rates using a simplified protocol. Our findings are primarily observational, aimed at demonstrating the practicality and effectiveness of the adapted method. We compare our experience with the original protocol and highlight the improvements in efficiency. Additionally, we propose that this simplified technique could be adopted by conservation volunteers and other non-specialists to support local efforts in growing genetically diverse ash populations for restoration projects.