Strategies for improved and sustainable tree breeding
One challenge faced by forest geneticists and tree breeders is achieving sustainability of forest ecosystems under changing climates. In addition, they need to recognise the varied demands on forests for a wider range of forest products with enhanced properties. Genetic improvement of tree characteristics and properties can ensure that these needs or demands are met. Researchers designed a project called ‘Novel tree breeding strategies’ (NOVELTREE) to improve our knowledge of forest tree genomics and to contribute to successful tree breeding. The project was multidisciplinary in nature, bringing together 15 public and private partners with a wide range of expertise from 7 European countries. Model tree species chosen for demonstrations included the maritime pine, Scots pine, spruce and poplar. Project partners conducted extensive experiments to assess the observable (phenotypic) responses of forests under natural and controlled conditions, and to define appropriate selection criteria. Two responses of particular interest were phenotypic plasticity (the direct influence of the environment on each tree's development) and environmental sensitivity to natural selection. Researchers also placed much focus on identifying polymorphisms (different forms in the same population of a species) related to important breeding target traits, such as cold tolerance, growth phenology, wood properties and resistance to stress. These polymorphisms can be useful in marker-assisted selection (MAS) used in forest tree breeding. Integration of the phenotypic and genomic findings with successful livestock breeding methodologies has aided the design and implementation of improved tree breeding strategies. Model-based simulation tools have also been useful for the study and comparison of different strategies and the preparation of recommended best practices for tree breeding in Europe. The tools developed through project efforts will help to reduce the vulnerability of forests to climate change. The hope is that the tools and models can be implemented for other important species and ultimately change forest management in a positive way.
