Objective
The objective of the Concerted Action is to investigate the potential for a European-wide study of the genetic control and early evaluation of wood properties.
The wood properties assessed in European tree breeding programmes and the methods used for measuring them vary from country to country. Many properties which are important for the processing and utilisation of wood are not assessed at all, partly because they require destructive sampling. Standard methods for evaluating wood properties in genetic tests are needed.
Wood properties cannot be accurately determined until trees are relatively old. This delays both breeding programmes and the introduction of genetically improved material into commercial forestry. Marker-aided selection using DNA markers for individual wood properties has considerable potential as a method of early evaluation.
We have identified six areas (tasks) where discussion is needed to evaluate materials/methods. These are :
- supply of material;
- wood density;
- anatomical and chemical properties,
- solid wood properties,
- pulping properties; and
- molecular markers.
The eight partners in this proposal have a wide range of expertise in all these subjects areas. Six of the partners are responsible for coordinating the separate tasks, the other two will as associate partners for particular tasks.
There will be three meetings during the concerted action project. After the third meeting we will publish our recommendations on methods for evaluating wood properties in tree breeding programmes.
Fields of science
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CON - Coordination of research actionsCoordinator
LL57 2UW BANGOR (GWYNEDD)
United Kingdom