Deployment Issues & Genetic Diversity in Tree Breeding
Genetic variation is necessary in commercial forest tree plantations. Seedlots registered for use on Crown land must meet a threshold value to maintain diversity across the landscape. Too few genotypes could subject plantations to unacceptable risks to current or future biotic and abiotic threats.
Government researchers from British Columbia developed technical standards that would reflect the best available information on an acceptable minimum level of genetic diversity for reforestation seedlots. The Chief Forester’s Standards for Seed Use still maintain these technical recommendations.
The following report is a synthesis of the research conducted on genetic diversity in forests:
Results from a simulation model to minimize risk for both a known and unknown future pest threats: