Innovation Anthology #11:
The normal lifespan of a cottonwood tree is a hundred years.
So imagine the surprise of University of Lethbridge cottonwood expert Dr. Stewart Rood when he found some cottonwoods that were 500 years old.
The old black cottonwoods were discovered among a grove of western red cedar along the Elk River in the East Kootenays of British Columbia. Bedrock protected them from the usual meandering of the river across the flood plain, a century long process that undercuts stream banks and topples the trees.
But Dr. Rood says there’s more to thank for their longevity than a safe environment.
SR: We can imagine that it’s partly favourable genetics. Because it’s within that particular grove, we only have about six to ten trees that are remaining And we would imagine that when the grove was originally established 400 to 500 years ago, there would have been hundreds or perhaps thousands of trees. So these are the rare individuals. They’re kind of like those few individual humans who make it to 100.
The superior genes of these trees may help scientists in their efforts to develop A fast growing cottonwood to reduce carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Thanks today to The University of Lethbridge
FOR INNOVATION ANTHOLOGY, I’M CHERYL CROUCHER
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University of Lethbridge
In 2007 The University of Lethbridge celebrated its 40th anniversary. The U of L campus is home to the world renowned Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience. The University is also a centre of expertise on water and remote sensing.
For more interviews with University of Lethbridge researchers, check out the website for Innovation Alberta. (2001-2008)
Program Date: 2007-02-20