Survey results show positive perceptions of adaptive tree breeding

A European survey carried out by the B4EST project shows that improved forest reproductive material is positively perceived by the forest sector and is considered important for forest regeneration and afforestation to adapt to climate change.

The survey aimed to understand the experiences and expectations of different groups in the forest sector regarding adaptive tree genetic improvement, as well as the use and adoption of improved forest reproductive material (SRM). The SRM refers to all parts of a tree that can be used for reproduction, such as fruits, seeds and cones. The improvement of SRM resulting from selection based on a combination of adaptation and production performance can provide specific benefits, such as better resistance to climatic conditions, pests and diseases.

The survey received 565 responses from nine European countries (Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom). The online survey was open to all forest bio-economy stakeholders and received the highest number of responses from public administrators as well as public and private forest managers. Eight species were studied - six native species (Norway spruce, Scots pine, maritime pine, maritime pine, poplar, common ash, Scots pine) and two non-native species (Douglas-fir, eucalyptus).

The results show that the negative effects of climate change are increasingly expected by 2050, with regional differences between Scandinavia and Southern Europe. The European forestry sector is convinced that future climate change will be manageable and that improving forest reproductive material will be an important management strategy to adapt to climate change. Respondents stated that their three most important forest management strategies to adapt to climate change will be:

Diversification of tree species
Artificial regeneration with improved forest reproductive material and revision of the guidelines for optimal adaptation to future climate
Enrichment of natural regeneration with forest reproductive material better adapted to future climate change
To successfully adapt to climate change, the use and importance of improved forest reproductive material is expected to increase and, at the same time, more research is needed to find solutions to major threats such as droughts, windstorms and pests. This may indicate that breeding programs for a greater number of species are needed to achieve an expected level of diversification.