Applications of Biotechnology in Forestry and Rural Development

Abstract

The major effects of recent biotechnological developments will be seen in: (i) enhancing the planting and survival of trees on sites that are naturally difficult environmentally, degraded by poor husbandry or previously unused for forestry; (ii) increasing the yields of both traditional and new products; (iii) increasing the transfer and use of disease-free stock; (iv) improving the yield of wood-based products by efficient conversion processes including the use of micro organisms; and (v) facilitating the identification and conservation of genetic resources. Specific technologies that are outlined in this paper include: rejuvenation through clonal propagation including cuttings, micrografting and tissue culture; haploid generation; somatic embryogenesis; protoplast fusion and gene transfer; cryopreservation of germplasm; microbial breakdown of wood components; forest soil microbiological improvement and risk detection.