From boreal to tropical ecosystems, understanding the functions and vital process of trees is essential to forest conservation. To most effectively grow trees and forest we must know how they grow.

At MSU, tree physiology studies can range from the cellular level to whole trees or stands in the natural environment, and from growth mechanisms in woody plants to managing environmentgenome interactions. Because of its long history of outstanding programs in plant science, MSU offers many courses in plant physiology. Instruction in silviculture, agroforestry, urban forestry, ecology, genetics, soils, pathology, and entomology complements study and research in tree physiology. In addition, the U.S. Department of Energy Plant Research Laboratory, a major plant physiology facility, is located on the MSU campus.

Michigan State University offers unique opportunities for graduate students to pursue research in tree physiology. Traditional strengths have been in physiological ecology and physiological genetics of hardwood and coniferous trees. Studies may be pursued in wellequipped laboratories, campus greenhouses, or field locations.