Tree Improvement Programs And Their Role in Canadian Forestry

Abstract

The report reviews present tree improvement programs in Canada, the benefits which can be expected from these programs, and the need for genetically superior seed in Canada's future planting and seeding programs.Tree improvement has an important role to play in Canada's forest economy. The selection and use of genetically superior seed can result in appreciable gains in tree crop yield, crop security and wood quality. The costs of implementation of tree improvement programs per acre of land to be planted and seeded are relatively low compared with other means of increasing yield, and the potential returns on the investment are high. Small improvements in wood quality can greatly increase mill profits. The seed requirements for Canada's future planting and seeding programs can only be met by an integrated program of work by federal, provincial, industrial and university agencies on both research and development aspects of tree improvement.