Forest genomics research and development in Canada: Priorities for developing an economic framework

Abstract

Forest genomics is a relatively recent research field and is often poorly understood both by the public and forest managers. Genomics in forestry, an expansion of forest biotechnology, seeks to develop generalized technologies for use in industrial plantations and/or natural forests as well as within process optimization, product development and international trade facilitation. With such tools it is possible to address formerly intractable issues such as understanding the underpinnings of complex traits for conservation management purposes, improved use of forest trees as carbon sinks, feedstock for biofuels and "green chemistry" through deeper understanding and effective utilization of forests' natural variation. Diverse end-users could benefit from genomics tools; for example, real-time detection and mapping of known and novel pathogens along with risk assessments to protect forest nurseries and natural forests from invasive pathogens and reduce economic losses associated with diseases. Since 2001, there has been approximately $123 million invested in Canadian forest genomics research; we thought it would be helpful to summarize projects in Canada and the USA and to identify research priorities and potential economic implications by: (a) developing a robust typology of forest sector genomics research relevant to Canadian application; (b) categorizing each initiative for its application potential (commercial, noncommercial); and, (c) demonstrating with silvicultural gain, insect resistance, and wood composition themes the application of modeling and economic analysis.Keywords: forest genomics, thematic areas, commercial applications, social and ecological dimensions, economic analysis, pest resistance, silvicultural gain, wood composition, market access, tree improvement RéSuméLa génomique forestière est un domaine de recherche relativement récent et souvent mal compris tant du public que des gestionnaires forestiers. La génomique forestière, une extension de la biotechnologie forestière, cherche à développer des technologies généralisées pouvant servir en plantation industrielle ou encore dans les forêts naturelles tout aussi bien que dans les processus d' optimisation, le développement de produit et la facilitation du commerce international. Avec de tels outils, il est possible d'aborder des problèmes autrefois insolubles comme comprendre les fondements des traits complexes utilisés en gestion de la conservation ou une meilleure utilisation des forêts comme réservoirs de carbone, comme source de biocarburants et pour « la chimie verte » rendus possibles grâce à une compréhension plus poussée et une utilisation efficace de la variabilité naturelle au sein des forêts. Plusieurs utilisateurs pourraient utiliser à leur avantage les outils de la génomique; par exemple, pour détecter et cartographier en temps réel les pathogènes connus et nouveaux et faire une éva-luation du risque afin de protéger les pépinières forestières et les forêts naturelles contre des pathogènes envahissants et réduire les pertes ...

Perceived Acceptability of Implementing Marker-Assisted Selection in the Forests of British Columbia

“…Additionally, the economic rotation age in genetically improved white spruce can be reduced by up to nine years [13]. Porth et al recognized that the cost of producing seedlings is higher when genotyping is employed, however, this will be offset by increased volume, reduced timeframe, and the production of higher value products [1]. Nonetheless, to date little of the genomics budget has been spent towards economic analysis [1].…”

“…Porth et al recognized that the cost of producing seedlings is higher when genotyping is employed, however, this will be offset by increased volume, reduced timeframe, and the production of higher value products [1]. Nonetheless, to date little of the genomics budget has been spent towards economic analysis [1]. This concern should be addressed in future forest genomic research in Canada.…”

“…Forest genomic research is one area of innovation where the government has invested time and resources (over $120 million since 2001) to help meet the ambitious goals of the Canadian forest sector [1].…”

Genomic tools for traceability: Opportunities, challenges and perspectives for the Canadian forestry sector

“…A recent study has evaluated that more than $123 million have been allocated among research projects in forest genomics in Canada (Porth et al 2015). A significant portion of these funds was used to develop ways, in combination with genomics or not, to increase Canadian forest productivity (e.g., Beaulieu et al 2014;Park et al 2016).…”

Meta-Modelling to Quantify Yields of White Spruce and Hybrid Spruce Provenances in the Canadian Boreal Forest

“…Tree improvement programs can provide improved seedling stocks with faster growth rates and/or better disease and insect resistances [4][5][6][7][8]. Using improved stocks can ameliorate timber supply shortages and facilitate a more competitive forest sector, while continuing to provide a broad range of ecosystem services by supporting sustainable forest management over the entire forest land area [9][10][11]. However, a mechanism for quantifying the impacts of using improved stocks at different sites is needed to support this initiative.…”