211-440 Forest Biotechnology & Tree Breeding

Credit Points

Coordinator

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

On completion of this subject students should have an appreciation of the basic principles and methodology of applied tree breeding, the potential uses of biotechnology and the principles involved in population management for in situ and ex-situ conservation of forest species. It includes: basic quantitative and population genetics and biotechnology; methods, concepts and case studies in tree breeding for improved yield, quality and pest and disease resistance; issues and practice of clonal forestry; natural variation in forest trees; genetic resources and their conservation; genetic variation as a component of diversity; sampling of populations for in situ and ex situ conservation; design of reserves; gene exchange between domestic and wild populations.

Assessment

One 3-hour written examination at the end of the semester, one written assignment of 2500 words and short written problem sets during the semester.