Forest tree breeding

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.