NSERC/Forest Sector Industrial Research Chair in Tree Improvement

该工业研究主席在树木改善方面的续期为5年，将继续填补阿尔伯塔省工业界和政府领导的树木改善计划中的知识空白。这项工作为阿尔伯塔省的果园提供政策、生产力和收益计算，为重新造林提供改良种子。具体来说，随着工业合作伙伴的不断发展，该项目将为果园建设和生产的新目标提供指导，对白云杉花粉污染水平和增强遗传价值进行关键评估，以及评估运营苗圃生产对遗传多样性和幼苗质量的影响。此外，一旦获得改良的树苗，该计划将提供优化再造林地点生长的最佳方法的信息，以确保有一个强大的林业部门能够支持工厂运营和阿尔伯塔省70个依赖该部门的社区。这些研究领域将建立相互支持和一致的答案。由于阿尔伯塔省山松甲虫的破坏、干旱以及与山地驯鹿等濒危物种有关的限制，企业在获得长期纤维供应方面面临着具有挑战性的选择，因此树木改良的经济学正受到严格审查。健康的森林支持充满活力的社区，树木的改善是帮助解决日益减少的陆地基础上的纤维损失的重要工具。

The renewal of this Industrial Research Chair in Tree Improvement for an additional 5-year term will continue to fill knowledge gaps in tree improvement programs led by both the industry and government in Alberta. This work supports policy, productivity and gain calculations for orchards providing improved seed for reforestation in Alberta. Specifically, with continued development from the industrial partners, this program will provide guidance on new targets for orchard establishment and production, a critical assessment of pollen contamination levels and enhanced genetic values in white spruce, as well, an assessment of the impact on both genetic diversity and seedling quality that operational nursery production is having on improved seedlots.In addition, once improved seedlings are available, this program will provide information on the best ways to optimize growth in reforestation sites to ensure there is a strong forestry sector able to support mill operations and the 70 communities that rely on this sector throughout Alberta. These areas of research will build answers that support and align with each other. The economics of tree improvement is being heavily scrutinized, as companies are facing challenging choices in accessing a long-term fibre supply in light of the devastation of the Mountain Pine beetle in Alberta, drought and constraints associate with endangered species such as themountain caribou. Healthy forests support vibrant communities and tree improvement is a significant tool to be used to help tackle fibre losses on a dwindling landbase.