ADAPTATION AND SELECTION OF MEDITERRANEAN PINUS AND CEDRUS FOR SUSTAINABLE AFFORESTATION OF MARGINAL LANDS

Objective

Background :
The genetic resources of the halepensis group (Aleppo pine, brutia pine and hybrids) and of Cedar (Cedrus atlantica, libani, brevifolia, and hypothetical hybrids) is not optimally used in the Mediterranean even though they have a potential for improving forestry in dry Mediterranean conditions.

Genetic selection and improvement of drought and frost resistance, tolerance to diseases and pests will enable these species to contribute to the rural economy and environment in marginal Mediterranean areas..

The objective is : to provide users with adapted, resistant, productive, high-quality
genotypes of Mediterranean Pinus and Cedrus species for afforestation.

Short description of the project :

The project will develop adapted, resistant, productive, high-quality genotypes of
Mediterranean Pinus and Cedrus species for afforestation. This will be achieved through estimating the genetic diversity of these species groups in both natural stands and comparative tests and using this information to deliver improved material through tree breeding programmes. The research is divided into 2 main tasks, the first dealing with genetic aspects such as species and provenance selection, tree breeding and genetic diversity. The second concentrates on characterizing the ecophysiological adaptive strategies of genotypes and examines particularly the traits of drought, frost and disease resistance.

Fields of science

• agricultural sciences › agriculture, forestry, and fisheries › forestry

Programme(s)

• FP4-FAIR - Specific research, technological development and demonstration programme in the field of agriculture and fisheries (including agro-industry, food technologies, forestry, aquaculture and rural development), 1994-1998

Topic(s)

• 4.5.4 - Afforestation, sustainable management of forests, integration of functions, agro-forestry

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

I.N.R.A.

Address

Av. Vivaldi
84000 Avignon
France

Participants (5)

ARISTOTLE UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI

Greece

Address

540 06 Thessaloniki

CONSORZIO AGRITAL RICERCHE

Italy

Address

Viale Dell'industria, 24
00057 Maccarese (Roma)

Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)

Italy

Address

Piazzale Delle Cascine 28
50144 Firenze

Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)

Italy

Address

Via Atto Vannucci 13
50134 Firenze

I.N.I.A.

Spain

Address

Crta. De La Coruna S/n Km.7,5
28040 Madrid