Genetically Eengineering High Yield, High Quality Eeucalyptus Wood Fiber, 1998 Breaking the Pulp Yield Barrier Symposium Proceedings

The very substantial possibilities for genetically improving yield and quality of Eucalyptus wood, pulp, and paper are examined in the context of:

(1) Conventional Breeding Technologies: Which involve utilizing existing genetic differences between Eucalyptus forest tree species, and also selection of superior families and clones within particular species. It is shown that substantial genetic gains can be expected from conventional breeding technologies.

(2) New Genetic Technologies: Genetic engineering (gene transfer and recombinant DNA technology) offer the opportunity to add new genes into already selected elite clones. The current status of Eucalyptus transformation is reviewed, including the traits being investigated, limitations and future prospects. The value of quality trait mapping is also mentioned briefly.

(3) Clonal Forestry: Is an invaluable tool for capturing and enhancing the genetic gains achieved through breeding and transformation. Clonal propagation techniques can provide speed and flexibility in getting improved plants from the breeding program to the plantation and, ultimately, to the mill.

The breaking of yield and quality barriers in Eucalyptus requires close and effective integration among the three technology areas listed above. It is also necessary to have close integration between forest, pulp mill, paper mill, and customers.