Forests are major sources for producing structural, fiber, chemical and energy products. In addition, their value for carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat and maintenance of air and water will grow substantially in the future. However, because of their long life cycle and delayed production, the productivity of industrial forest products is considerably slowed. There is an urgent need for intensely managed short-rotation tree plantations. Genetic technology can improve forest productivity and therefore will have major national and international economic impact.
The I/UCRC's research agenda will address 1.) Flowering control, 2.) Transformation and 3.) Verification resistance.
