Gap Analysis for Forest Productivity Research Investments

摘要

Critical research gaps for ensuring that planted forests remain a sustainable and competitive source of fiber include (1) improve understanding and prediction of forest responses to intensive management; (2) incorporate ecophysiological, genetic, site, and wood quality parameters into tree improvement programs and growth models; (3) quantify the influence of repeated biomass harvests on sustainable productivity and develop practices to avoid or mitigate negative effects; (4) expand silvicultura! research networks to examine responses across a range of sites; and (5) expand technology transfer and the use of improved genetic stock to a larger segment of landowners. Critical forest biotechnology research gaps include (1) improve performance and reduce costs of somatic embryogenesis-derived planting stock; (2) assess ecological risks associated with introducing transgenic trees in a range of environments; (3) assess effects of gene interactions and environmental conditions on tree growth using the Pine Genome Initiative genome sequence; and A use tree genetic diversity as a basis for introducing resistance, as done with chestnut blight and the American chestnut.