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Members of the Tree Improvement team take a water break in the Mapiep Breeding Archive |
Celebrating 20 years of Tree Improvement at the CSIR. Download booklet here....
Scope and context
Local and international stakeholders are given the opportunity to use applied tree-breeding and genetics expertise to develop their own knowledge or to acquire better trees at a faster rate. This research typically addresses the research needs of afforestation, reforestation/planning and planting material supply.
Key competencies include
- quantitative genetics
- breeding strategy development
- forest genetics
- gene conservation and
- reproductive biology of plantation species.
Research Focus
The Tree Improvement team of the CSIR has a long and proud tradition in the South African forestry sector. The pine breeding programme was initiated in 1953. The formal genetic improvement of eucalypt forestry species, such as E.grandis, started in 1959. Both these programmes were instigated by the then South African Forestry Research Institute (SAFRI), which later came under the umbrella of the CSIR.
Initially considerable research was focused on eucalypt and pine species selection and introduction, followed by genetic improvement of advanced generations. The genetic products of this research formed the basis of South African plantation forestry. As plantation forestry expanded in South Africa, new species were introduced, and new hybrids (such as drought- and cold tolerant hybrids) were produced to pioneer new forestry areas and to secure higher productivity of quality products.
Today the Tree Improvement Research Group of the CSIR continues to develop quality genetic material of advanced generations of subtropical eucalypt and pine species, building on four decades of experience and taking our understanding of these species and hybrids to exciting new levels. As part of a broader Forestry Competence Area within the CSIR the Tree Improvement Group is involved with integrative projects across the whole Forestry value chain. The Research Group has also initiated research into the role that genetics can play in the protection and conservation of biodiversity. Our core skills are focussed on quantitative genetics, tree breeding and reproductive biology.
The benefits of the genetic research and development are shared in two primary forms, both in South Africa and abroad. The first is in the form of partnering with the industry in breeding programmes as well as releasing our very best genetic seed and clones to the forestry industry for testing and commercial use. The second is the sharing and development of our technical skills and experience gained in our activities by means of services such as research partnerships, and the provision of courses. We also develop software to assist tree breeders in optimising gains and selecting the best genetic material from their populations using advanced selection methodologies such as BLUP.
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