MTP is building on the excellent work done on tree breeding and R&D started by the previous management company. The main areas of R&D embraces the following:
Work will concentrate around building a site classification system to ensure the following:
- Development of new clones, which includes clone, family and progeny trials. This will consist the following;
- Using DNA markers to verify pedigree in MTP’s existing breeding program, improving estimates of breeding values that genetic improvement programs use to identify individuals that will deliver genetic gain;
- Identifying family lineages that will be used to avoid related mating when crossing and reducing inbreeding in clonal seed orchards that will be developed by MTP;
- Using the latest genomic techniques to build prediction models that enable MTP to identify the best mother and father trees (with high molecular breeding values) for breeding the next generation of eucalyptus and eucalyptus hybrids;
- Using the prediction model to identify candidate trees in the plantation to fast-track through the clonal deployment pipeline;
- This will be done with the assistance of Gondwana Genomics. Please see below extract of our partnership.
- Site classification for operational, tactical and strategic planning & site species/clone matching;
- Nutrient management and fertilization;
- Pests and disease management;
- Silvicultural regimes for sawlogs and veneer.
Work will concentrate around building a site classification system to ensure the following:
- The optimum deployment of superior genetic material produced by the Gondwana Genomics programme
- A site-specific basis for species/clone selection i.e. choose the most suitable sites for the best genetic material;
- To ensure that silvicultural interventions (as recommended from the silvicultural triage) are implemented on the potentially most responsive sites;
- That research conducted to date is implemented logically on a site: specific basis e.g. fertilization and initial stand density;
- The implementation of relevant silvicultural regimes based on site quality;
- Correct identification/quantification of site potential i.e. mainly soil types, so that a realistic estimate of “plantable area” is obtained;
- Provide a logical framework for the establishment of PSPs and any new research trials that are deemed necessary.
An innovative partnership has been announced between Australian genetics technology firm Gondwana Genomics (http://www.gondwanagenomics.com.au) and timberland investment manager New Forests (https://newforests.com.au), seeking to deploy genetic technology to boost productivity in tropical eucalyptus plantations. Following successful demonstrations, the two companies are collaborating on the world’s first large-scale investment in tropical eucalyptus Marker Assisted Selection (MAS), aiming to deliver significant gains in tree plantation productivity and resilience at two New Forests’ investments in Southeast Asia.
The joint initiative will deploy MAS technology at two of New Forests’ investments from its Tropical Asia Forest Fund. Acacia Forest Industries of Sabah, Malaysia and Mekong Timber Plantations of central Laos will work together with Gondwana Genomics to execute a multi-year program of MAS tree breeding. The program targets improvements in growth, yield, and wood fibre characteristics while also seeking to enhance resilience to pests and disease. The collaboration aims to bring forward targeted growth improvements, resulting in faster growing plantations that achieve higher levels of performance in as little as three to five years, as compared to original targets of five to eight years.
The joint initiative will deploy MAS technology at two of New Forests’ investments from its Tropical Asia Forest Fund. Acacia Forest Industries of Sabah, Malaysia and Mekong Timber Plantations of central Laos will work together with Gondwana Genomics to execute a multi-year program of MAS tree breeding. The program targets improvements in growth, yield, and wood fibre characteristics while also seeking to enhance resilience to pests and disease. The collaboration aims to bring forward targeted growth improvements, resulting in faster growing plantations that achieve higher levels of performance in as little as three to five years, as compared to original targets of five to eight years.
|
|
