Applications of biotechnology for forest regeneration

The Forest Biotechnology Centre is an interdisciplinary research group dedi cated to the development and application of advanced technology for the enh ancement of forest regeneration. The Centre carries out contracts on behalf of clients in forest-related industries and government agencies. In additi on, there are a number of long-term, in-house projects aimed at the develop ment of proprietary technologies in genetics and propagation, and seedling production and establishment. Technical capabilities include: tissue cultur e, molecular genetics, pathology and microbial inoculants, and ecophysiolog y. These techniques are also being used to improve nursery culture regimes, disease assessment, planting regimes, and new product development for a va riety of conifer species. Additional programs relate population genetics to adaptive traits, and develop clonal testing within elite families from tre e-breeding programs.