Objective
To enhance international cooperation to continue long term genetic improvement of poplars. Selection traits are specifically adapted to short rotation intensive culture (SRIC). Biotechnology will shorten breeding programmes. Basic functional and structural components involved in growth, development and production, will be used in early selection.
Poplar has proved to be the most promising tree genus of temperate regions for SRIC for the production of renewable raw material for energy and industry. It is well adapted to many European sites and climates (including very low winter temperature and spring frost). It is one of the viable solutions to diversify agricultural production and to rehabilitate abandoned farm land.
The European poplar research network will :
A) Make an up-dated survey of the European situation in research and development on the use and the production of poplar under SRIC. This survey will include : 1) a list of existing clones and techniques available for immediate planting, 2) an inventory of research trials and demonstration plots established in the near past, their objective, their geographical distribution and their results. This information will be included into a data base available for research scientists, developers and interested agencies. It will provide comprehensive information and avoid research redundancy, 3) a summary of existing production figures according to clone, spacing, rotation, cultural technique, site and climate, 4) a list of the production sites and their industrial outlet.
B) Make a comprehensive list of topics which still need research. This list will include : 1) classical genetic improvement, 2) advanced molecular physiologic and biotechnological methods applicable to shorten and speed-up breeding programmes, 3) diseases and insect pests causing damage in poplar SRIC, 4) critical physiologic traits useful as early predictors of future growth performance development and production.
Topic(s)
Data not availableCall for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
75341 Paris
France