Biotech startup breeds blight-resistant American chestnut without genetic engineering
Washington: Biotech startup SilvaBio has developed “elite” blight-resistant American chestnut trees using genomics and fast breeding, not direct genetic engineering.
The company analyzed DNA to identify seedlings most likely to survive chestnut blight, then used its “Lightspeed” process to breed them in about 1 year instead of 10. The result, “Darling54,” showed far smaller blight cankers in trials.
A Darling54 tree was planted at the White House on Arbor Day 2026.SilvaBio says the same method could help save elm, ash, and oak trees threatened by disease and pests. 41% of U.S. forest biomass is at risk from invasive species, the founders noted.
The company aims to create many regionally adapted, blight-tolerant lines to preserve genetic diversity. Regulatory review is ongoing before mass planting.
Chestnut blight wiped out the American chestnut in the early 1900s. Hardwood forests support a $350 billion timber industry and store about 15% of U.S. carbon.
