ArborGen, LLC and New Zealand Crown Research Institute Scion recently agreed to extend their multi-million dollar partnership in gene discovery and molecular breeding for forest trees.
Begun in 2006, the partnership has been successful in identifying gene-traits associated with wood quality improvements in pine. The partnership has identified more than 100 new genes to test in Loblolly Pine research being conducted at ArborGen.
"Our ongoing partnership with Scion brings together two leaders in forestry biotechnology, creating exciting synergies for breakthrough discoveries and product development," says Barbara Wells, president and CEO of ArborGen.
Scion's Chief Executive Tom Richardson says that future plantation forests will be different to what they are now, with trees grown for a wider range of purposes in addition to traditional forest products, such as bioenergy and other bio-based products.
Over the next three years, the partnership will focus on developing and applying valuable traits, such as improved growth and superior wood quality, for both commercial forestry and biomaterials applications.
"This partnership has developed a pipeline of lead candidates and the rate of new discoveries will only accelerate," says Richardson. "The ArborGen partnership has already led to discoveries for enhancing growth and wood characteristics in trees. The groundwork done to date provides a solid foundation for this partnership to deliver value to forestry in the future."