Enhancing Landowner and Industry Value Through Tree Genetics
Project Title
Increasing Value to Landowners and Citizens Through Continuous Genetic Improvement of Forest Trees
Project Description
The Tree Improvement Program at the College of Natural Resources is a public-private cooperative that develops genetically improved loblolly pines with better growth, disease resistance and stem quality, providing flexible management options and greater returns for landowners, foresters and the forest products industry.
The program conducted applied research in seed orchards, wood quality, genomic selection, QTL mapping and marker-assisted selection, rigorously testing and selecting elite trees while maintaining genetic diversity.
It also offered annual meetings, workshops, short courses and seminars on topics from grafting techniques to selecting optimal varieties. Staff advised cooperative members on breeding, testing, selection and regeneration to maximize the value and productivity of forest tree stocks.
Principal Investigators
Collaborators
- Members of the NC State Cooperative provide genetic material planted on more than one million acres annually in the southern United States
- Partners with 39 members, including landowners, nurseries, consultants, state agencies and forest products companies
Outcomes
- Landowners gain more options to plant loblolly pine of superior genetic quality
- More than 60% of pine trees planted in the southern U.S. originate from the program’s genetic stock
- Genetically enhanced trees contribute $1.9 billion in wood value across the southern U.S.
- Approximately 240 national and global leaders trained in advanced tree breeding
A McIntire-Stennis supported project
About McIntire-Stennis
The McIntire-Stennis program, a unique federal-state partnership, cultivates and delivers forestry and natural resource innovations for a better future. By advancing research and education that increases the understanding of emerging challenges and fosters the development of relevant solutions, the program has ensured healthy, resilient forests and communities and an exceptional natural resources workforce since 1962.