Restoration of Acacia koa on Hawai'i: Probing the Genome

Acacia koa A. Gray (koa) is a tree species endemic to the all islands within the Hawaiian archipelago but only exists in populations of sufficient size to be called forests on Hawai’i, Kauai, Maui and Oahu. Free-range cattle grazing, invasive grasses, and abiotic and biotic events have severely crippled koa forests to a point where populations are continuing to decline. Additional research is desperately needed not only for the sake of the tree species, but for the sake of the animals that depend of these trees for survival and the native islanders that depend on the highly prized wood for their livelihood. We aim to identify genetic variation between various koa populations and evaluate which genes are responsible for improved survival characteristics in light of a changing climate. We also hope to plant koa trees in areas previously inundated with invasive grasses to improve forest quality and restore native wildlife habitats. The replacement of dead or dying koa trees is critical to species survival. Another goal is to establish a working relationship with conservation agencies dedicated to the protection of the native flora and fauna in the Hawaiian Islands and to develop and implement programs that focus on island revitalization. Using NextGeneration Sequencing technologies, the attributes of the genetic code that provide certain trees with resistance to abiotic and biotic factors while others are susceptible will be identified in hopes of identifying genes involved in the process. Additional efforts to sequence the genome in its entirety will also be initiated.