Forest tree breeding

Education facts

Code: 4TS051

Forest tree breeding basically consists of the main elements of selection, crossing and testing. The breeding is conducted by defining a breeding goal, crossing selected trees, testing offspring in field trials, analyzing performance data and genetic evaluation, as well as selecting trees for seed orchard and further estblishment of a new breeding generation. Swedish tree breeding combines breeding with active gene conservation. The breeding material is kept apart in several unrelated groups of trees (breeding populations). The different populations are bred for adaptation to different combinations of latitude and temperature climate. In this way there is suitable material for different geographical areas and also a preparation for e.g. future climate change. The course provides basic knowledge of the principles and design of forest tree breeding, based on the Swedish forest tree breeding work. The course also addresses forest tree breeding from a climate perspective and its importance for forestry. The course is conducted via the learning platform through meetings and scheduled seminars. Time schedules will be announced at the start of the course. Some lessons, seminars and lectures will probably be given in English.

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree comprising at least 180 credits or equivalent. Specific entry requirements: Advanced study comprising at least 60 credits in one of the following subjects/main areas Biology, Forest Science, Forest Management, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Agricultural Science or Forest and Wood Engineering 15 credits in Forestry and Wood Engineering or Forest Science 1MA501 Probability Theory and Statistics, 7,5 credits or 1M511 Applied Probability Theory and Statistics, 7.5 credits or 1 TS060 Business Statistics I, 7.5 credits or 1TS401 Statistics, 7.5 credits or 1TS019 Methodology course forestry and wood technology, 7.5 credits or 4TS019 Digitalisation in Forestry, 15 credits ore equivalent.

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• Forest tree breeding

  Linnaeus University (Kalmar Växjö)

  VÄXJÖ

  Start date: 31 August 2026

  End date: 8 November 2026

  Pace of study: 50 %