A new impetus for radiata pine breeding - identifying the opportunities

Authors: John A. Butcher
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2015, Issue N.Z.J.For. 60(1) 2015, pp 3-7, May 2015
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Improved radiata pine genetics continues to offer considerable potential to increase forest production, improve log characteristics and wood properties, and confer improved resistance against pests and diseases. Past contributions have been notable and played a very large part in making radiata pine the key resource of the forest industry in New Zealand. The current strategic thrust of the New Zealand forest industry is to increase productivity, profitability and disease resistance with the aim of doubling export earnings over the next 10 years. This timeframe is too short for tree breeding and genetics to make any significant improvement, but over the longer term this will be the main generator of future productivity and profitability. There are many opportunities for improving performance and they are described and discussed. The focus on developing gain in key traits of interest will continue, and although percentage gain may increase, the impact on the industry is dulled by the long timelines for development followed by the length of a commercial forest rotation which collectively may be up to 50 to 60 years. Shortening the breeding and deployment cycle by half (15 years) by the introduction of forward selection, the utilisation of genomic selection, and improved deployment processes can deliver a net present value (NPV) three times greater than that achieved by genetic gain alone. An increased focus on gain per unit time offers considerable opportunity to deliver increased profitability. Downstream, the exploitation of genetics by environment interactions has the potential to deliver further significant benefits. All of these developments should help to transform tree breeding and see it become more commercially targeted and responsive.

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