Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding

Description

Forestry sector is considered one of the most developed in the world, being the base for important industrial segments which use wood as raw material. Tree breeding has played an important role on improving the competitiveness of forestry-based companies, especially for its positive reflexes on increasing adaptation, forestry productivity and wood quality. Forest trees meet human needs and contribute to natural ecosystems in unique and diverse ways. As a source of fuel and fiber, they are important commodities. As dominant members of many natural ecosystems, they play keystone ecological roles in plant and animal communities. As habitat for other organisms, forests are a reservoir of great natural diversity. Sufficient genetic diversity ensures the success of our forest tree species in a highly variable environment. Safeguarding genetic diversity and resources is an important part of biodiversity conservation and a goal to which Finland has committed through international conventions. Genetic diversity refers to the variability between specimens within a species. The present book has been designed as a text-cum-reference book for post-graduate students, research workers, teachers and undergraduate students specializing in advance course of forest genetics and tree improvement. It is believed, the book will immensely benefit them all.