BioMatNet Item: FAIR-CT95-0253 - Tree Breeding for Improved Wood and Fibre Quality Using Advanced Biotechnologies

FAIR-CT95-0253
Tree Breeding for Improved Wood and Fibre Quality Using Advanced Biotechnologies

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FAIR Area 1.3 - Forestry-Wood Chain : Plant Genetics : Pulping : Wood (Lignocellulose)

	Type of Project	Concerted Action
	Contract No	FAIR-CT95-0253
	Total Cost	65 000 ECU
	EC Contribution	65 000 ECU
	Start Date	01/12/1995
	Duration	18 months

Tree breeding for improved wood and fibre quality using advanced biotechnologies

Objectives

Technical Approach

The objective of this concerted action project was to investigate the potential for a European-wide study of the genetic control and early evaluation of wood properties.

Wood properties appear to be under fairly strict genetic control, suggesting that they can be modified by selection and breeding. There is a need to estimate genotypic correlations between properties to improve the efficiency of selection procedures and to allow wood users to interpret information on the wood quality of genetically improved material.

Early evaluation of wood properties would substantially reduce the length of each generation of tree breeding programmes, with major economic savings. Marker-aided selection (MAS) using molecular markers for individual mature wood properties has considerable potential as a method of early evaluation.

Expected Results

Three meetings between partners have been held, at the University of Wales, Bangor (7-8 February 1996), the Institute for Forest Genetics, Grosshansdorf (23-24 November l996) and in London (8-9 February 1997). A report was prepared after each meeting. Copies of all reports are available on request from the coordinator.

The original intention was to produce general recommendations on screening for wood properties in tree breeding programmes. During the course of discussions it became clear that we would be unable to do this. Instead, the final report gives recommendations on methods for evaluating selection wood properties in four species: Pinus pinaster (maritime pine), Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine), Picea abies (Norway spruce) and Eucalyptus globulus. The emphasis in breeding programmes for these species should be on properties that affect pulp yield and quality. However, wood properties affecting the use of solid wood should also be assessed in Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies The report also examines approaches to identifying molecular markers for wood properties, and suggests methods for identifying molecular markers for wood properties in Pinus pinaster and Picea abies.

Wood Fibre

Wood and board

Contacts

Coordinator

Christine CAHALAN / Biocomposites Centre University of Wales Bangor / UNITED KINGDOM

EC Scientific Officer

Alexandros ARABATZIS / European Commission DG Research Theme 1 Key Action 5.3 / BELGIUM

Participant