Mass Propagation by Cuttings, Biotechnologies, and the Capture of Genetic Gain : Mass Production Technology for Genetically Improved Fast Growing Forest Tree Species

Nangis

Association Foret-Cellulose Paris, IUFRO

1992

S. 137-150

47 Lit. Ang.

Bandaufführung

76083

This presentation examines the current status of the development of axillary budding, adventitous budding, and somatic embryogenesis micropropagation systems as commercial alternatives to propagation by cuttings in the propagation of superior fullsib families and superior clones. In particular, the analysis is directed towards determining which hurdles remain to be overcome, or what questions remain to be answered, for a change in propagation technology to be warranted. The higher multiplication rates available through micropropagation offer important advantages with respect to the capture of genetic gains through clonal forestry. By contrast, these technologies offer little in relation to the propagation of full-sib families, at least in cases where control pollination and multiplication by cuttings are easy. The major factors limiting immendiate broader commercial development of these technologies as alternatives to the use of cuttings in forestry are the costs of planting stock, and insufficient information regarding field performance. Recent developments with somatic embryogenesis systems offer hope on both counts. Where clonal testing on a reasonable scale is possible and affordable, the current applicability of protocols mainly to juvenile material is not necessarily an impediment to the capture of good gains through clonal forestry. Genetic variation in response, often substantial, is not likely to be a major problem where clonal testing can be preceded by screening for responsive genotypes.