Webinar: The NZ Tree Improvement Story
Story of Tree Breeding in NZ – Summary of 1st of two webinars
In the first of two webinars Mike Carson will summarise the evolution of the first 50 years of the NZ tree breeding story. Beginning with the arrival of Ib Thulin from Denmark in 1951, the early years of the programme focused on assembling genetic material (primarily seeds) of numerous conifer species and provenances, and screening them for their performance in NZ plantation trials. Trial results subsequently confirmed the outstanding plantation performance of radiata pine, while also indicating the potential value of breeding species including D-Fir, redwoods and some cypresses and eucalypts. The ensuing radiata pine breeding program became recognised as an international flagship, pioneering new applications of population breeding, quantitative genetics and seed orchard development to provide substantial improvements in the yields, timber and wood quality, and health of the radiata pine estate. Associated research in propagation methods, wood properties, statistical methods, genetic gain validation and trait economic values all contributed to continuing program success, while early work on gene technologies set the scene for exciting future applications. The fact that the program has proven sustainable over many years, including many institutional and personnel changes, reflects credit on the numerous contributing researchers and foresters.
Speaker: Mike Carson
Mike has had over 45 years’ experience in tree breeding and related forest tree and plant research, initially as a scientist and then R&D manager at the NZ Forest Research Institute, and subsequently as owner and manager of a clonal forestry business (Forest Genetics Ltd), a provider of breeding software (Gemnetics Ltd), and consultancy with AbacusBio Ltd. Mike’s research and advisory work has focused mainly on breeding of radiata pine, NZ Manuka and African mahogany. He managed and advised the Radiata Pine Breeding Cooperative for many years. He has also completed reviews and consultancies for a large number of R&D organisations and forest companies involved with tree and plant breeding.
Mike holds a BSc (Hon, 1st Class) in Forestry from University of Canterbury and a PhD in Forest Genetics from North Carolina State University. He has published over 80 scientific papers.
Date: Tuesday, 5th November 2024
Time: 7:30pm (NZDT)
Ticket Costs: $NZD
$20.00 NZIF Members
$20.00 Australian Forestry Members (please quote membership number in 'note to administrator')
$40.00 Non Members
Free: NZIF Student members only
Payment: Credit Card
Ticket Sales close: 3:00pm, Tuesday, 5 November 2024