BioMatNet Item: FAIR-CT97-3953 - Genetic improvement of wood quality: increasing selection efficiency for different end uses

FAIR-CT97-3953
Genetic improvement of wood quality: increasing selection efficiency for different end uses

Contacts
Website: www.skogforsk.se/GENIALITY/
Further Information

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

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	FAIR-CT97-3953
	Total Cost	1 556 122 ECU
	EC Contribution	1 224 995 ECU
	Start Date	01/04/98
	Duration	36 Months

Genetic improvement of wood quality: increasing selection efficiency for different end uses

Objectives

Technical Approach

Tree breeding can tailor the wood properties of any given species to meet the requirements of processing industries. The aim of this project is to increase the efficiency with which tree breeders can select genotypes of economic value to foresters and wood users. This will be done by:

estimating genetic parameters for wood and utilisation properties known to influence the yield and quality of end products
identifying molecular markers for a subset of these properties, for use in marker-assisted selection
determining economic weights for wood and utilisation properties, for use in selection indices

Heritability of wood and utilisation properties, and the genetic correlations between them, will be determined in three species: Pinus pinaster (maritime pine), Picea abies (Norway spruce) and Eucalyptus globulus. Genetic tests of an appropriate structure and age are available for the study. Destructive sampling will provide discs and logs for the assessment of wood density, fibre dimensions, chemical composition, solid wood properties (strength and durability) and pulping characteristics. Linkage analysis and QTL mapping will be used to identify molecular markers for wood properties in Pinus pinaster. Bulk segregant analysis and selective genotyping will be used to identify markers in Picea abies. A 'candidate gene' approach will be used to elucidate the biological significance of detected QTLs. The method of desired gain and the RESI computer programme will be used to estimate economic weights and determine index coefficients for use in Smith-Hazel selection indices. Selection indices of value for pulp and paper production will be constructed for all species. Selection indices of value for sawnwood production will be constructed for Picea abies.

Expected Results

This project is expected to give an internal rate of return of 10-12% if its findings are implemented on 5% of the current EU reforestation area. The higher rate of return would be achieved by using marker-assisted selection to identify genotypes with desirable wood properties.

Harvesting Norway spruce, Sweden

Norway spruce: wood sample, X-ray picture and density profile

Norway spruce samples prepared for chemical analysis.

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