Introduction
A major expansion of the plantation estate of eucalypts and pines is occurring throughout Australia. Improved genetic quality of the plantation stock is essential if Australia is to be competitive in international markets when this estate is harvested. Large tree breeding programs being run by CRC partners in both the tropical and temperate regions demonstrate the importance of breeding and aim to increase the returns from wood production.

Genetic Improvement Program
Manager
Assoc Prof Brad Potts

The research undertaken in the Genetic Improvement Program aimed to ensure that plantation stock is of the highest possible genetic quality. It aimed to improve the efficiency of breeding and ensure that genetic gains are rapidly and efficiently transferred to Australia’s increasing plantation estate. In brief, the program aimed to:

• define appropriate breeding objectives for individual firms and the sector, from forest growers to industrial processors;
  
• identify selection criteria and methods for assessing wood quality, growth, pest and disease resistance, and other key traits, and statistical methods for their analysis;
  
• determine the molecular and quantitative genetic control of important traits, and how this changes with age, site and silviculture;
  
• improve strategies to select, breed and deploy elite genotypes;
  
• improve our ability to control and manipulate reproductive characteristics in order to optimise deployment systems;
  
• ensure rapid uptake of technological advances made in Australia and overseas, particularly in the rapidly changing field of molecular genetics; and
  
• provide training and education in forest genetics and breeding, and be a forum for discussion in Australia.
  

The research outcomes directly assist breeders of pines, eucalypts, and other native species in our member organisations, as well as organisations multiplying and distributing improved seed.

Conference Proceedings

"Eucalypt Plantations: Improving Fibre Yield and Quality"
CRC-THF/IUFRO Conference, Hobart, Australia, 19-24 February 1995

"Hybrid breeding and genetics of forest trees"
QFRI-CRCSPF Symposium, Noosa, Australia, 9-14 April 2000

Seed Orchard Manual directory
Only members of the CRC-SPF Seed Orchard Interest Group will be able to follow the links on this page.