“…For example, simulations using the POPSIM software 84 in a Pinus pinaster improvement program, which was designed to maximize both gain and genetic diversity, generated a strategy of performing 150 controlled-crosses to obtain 100 progeny per cross as the most effective approach, but also the most time-consuming approach 18 . As an alternative, the option of using a polycross mating design together with paternity recovery using genotyping, is emerging as the preferred strategy to increase gain, and retain the desired effective population size with only a small decrease in male contributions, thereby allowing tree improvement programs to advance more quickly 17 , 18 , 80 , 85 , 86 . Although our data does not address the advantages of using a polycross directly, understanding the options and impact of different breeding strategies is critical to the rapid advancement of any long-lived tree species program.…”