Description

FONDEF D00I1036: "GENOTYPES CAPTURE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COLD-TOLERANT Eucalyptus globulus SPECIES."

INTRODUCTION

Eucalyptus globulus has become one of the most important forest species with respect to economic point of view in Chile. This has been mainly due to fast growing and wood quality, especially when used for pulp manufacturing. It currently represents the second most planted species in the country, amounting - along with other eucalyptus species, to a total of 350,000 hectares approximately. Even so, world market competition to which the Chilean forest area is subjected makes it necessary to develop the best technology. The purpose of this is to have such technology enhance plantations' productivity. Genetic improvement has become a tool that constantly assists the growth and value of such resource.

When added to fast growth as well as good shape featured by Chilean Eucalyptus globulus, the species has the capability to get adapted to a broad range of locations. However, there are wide surface areas where growth-limiting restrictions can be found. Particularly, areas under frost conditions along with the species' low cold tolerance have limited plantation expansion both to the South and the Andes Mountains foothills regions. Chile's Center Valley has also undergone disastrous plantation losses in those areas affected by frost conditions, due to the species' huge sensitivity to cold conditions.

Being aware of this current Eucalyptus globulus's drawback, as well as the necessity of having coldness adapting genetic material capable to feature profitable production yield under such on-site limitations, different actual and potential options have been taken into consideration aiming at improving eucalyptus cultivation at those low temperature areas.

One of the above options is the one set up at FONDEF D00I1036 project's "Genotypes Capture for the Development of a Cold-Tolerant Eucalyptus Globulus Species." This project is being conducted by INFOR (Instituto Forestal) and CMG (Cooperativa de Mejoramiento Genético), it includes the following companies too: Bioforest S.A., Bosques Cautín S.A., Bosques Arauco S.A., CONAF, Forestal CELCO S.A., Forestal Los Lagos S.A., Forestal Tornagaleones S.A. and Forestal Valdivia S.A.

PROBLEMS AND OPTIONS

Problem (Drawback)

Eucalyptus globulus low resistance to cold weather conditions restrain and limit both its growth and cultivation culture area.

The suggested optional species for cold areas feature some restraints that limit them as substitutes for Eucalyptus globulus in the pulp industry.

Option

There are some technological options to overcome this drawback. One of them consists on the traditional genetic improvement, which is based on selection, assessment and further massive use of those individuals showing a greater tolerance. This has become a highly interesting option.

Project

Regarding the above, the suggested project aims at carrying out a capture of valuable genotypes, which have become adapted to areas under severe frost conditions. By doing so, a cold-tolerant line is intended to be created.

Economic advantage shall be taken from this new breed in the short term by conducting clone-type multiplication, while an infusion population will be made up at the mid time. The purpose of this is to set up genetic improvement programs among Chile's main forest companies.

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