Research

A fundamental aspect of the research conducted by the Cooperative is a focus on the future. With encouragement and support from cooperators, our strategy has been to aggressively build the research base of the program. Research conducted by the Cooperative is consistent with the priorities identified in the Cooperative Strategic Plan.

Research coordinated by the NCSU Cooperative staff focuses on subjects and issues that aim to improve production and efficiency, while strengthening the scientific and forest community's understanding of the species. The Cooperative's current research efforts can by divided into four categories. Each category has a general description of the research efforts as well as links to summaries of current research being conducted in each area.

Genetic Variation Studies

The basis of genetic gain is genetic variation. The description, repackaging, and the use of this variation is tree improvement. Most of the Cooperative's focus will continue to be on measuring and describing genetic variation that will be economically useful for production forestry. The Cooperative will also continue to evaluate and understand genetic control of traits that will be useful for future breeding and deployment programs. Basic research such as evaluating environmental and genetic control of wood properties will provide key information as wood quality increases in value.

Current Research and primary contacts:

Genetic and nutritional effects in stem sinuosity of loblolly pine

RA/ PhD student: Jesus Espinoza

PI: Steve McKeand and Lee Allen (NCSU-FNC)

Project Funding Source: NCSU-CTIP and NCSU-FNC

Use of DNA markers to explore the genetic factors of forking in loblolly pine

RA/PhD student: Jin Sherry Xiong

PI: Steve McKeand

Project Funding Source: NCSU-CTIP

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Breeding, Testing, and Selection

Breeding, testing, and selection are the backbone of the Cooperative. It has traditionally been the primary reason each organization chose to join the program; to combine resources to be more efficient at realizing genetic gains. Each organization's interests are still best served by producing better germplasm. We continue to explore and test new technologies and methods to increase efficiency, accelerate, and improve the breeding, testing, and selection cycles.

Current research and primary contacts:

Association genetics study looking at genes and/or alleles regulating water use efficiency in loblolly pine

RA/ PhD student: W. Patrick Cumbie

PI: Barry Goldfarb (NCSU-FER)

Project Funding Source: NSF ADEPT 2

Investigating a low cost SNP genotype method in Pinus taeda

RA/ Master's student: George F. Khan

PI: Ross Whetten

Project Funding Source: NCSU-CTIP, NCSU-FER and FORBIRC

Incorporating realized gain from genetic improvement into loblolly pine growth and yield models

RA/PhD student: Ben Smith

PI: Steve McKeand

Project Funding Source: NCSU-CTIP and Hoffmann Fellowship

Discovery of major resistance genes to fusiform rust in superior growth loblolly pine selections

RA: Saul Garcia

PI: Steve McKeand

Project Funding Source: NCSU-CTIP

Improvements in stem form and sawlog quality of elite loblolly pine genotypes

RA: W. Patrick Cumbie

PI: Steve McKeand

Project Funding Source: NCSU-CTIP

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Seed Orchard Research

The Cooperative understands the importance of seed orchard management research to increase the production of our primary commodity, genetically improved loblolly pine seed. Virtually all economic analyses show that the driving factor in determining the profitability of a tree improvement program is the cost-effective production of seeds and seedlings. Chemical insect control is still the most important cultural tool seed orchard managers have to maintain high seed production. Cooperators have supported efforts to test alternative chemicals and lower rates of chemicals to control various pests.

Current research and primary contacts:

Presently, there is no specific project being conducted in this area. Please contact us if interested in discussing possible collaborations.

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Propagation Research

Substantially increased productivity in loblolly pine plantations is a major goal for many members of the Cooperative. The next big jump in genetic gain will most likely come from mass production of full-sibs and specific clones. Understanding the properties and physiology of these superior, but limited, genetic materials will increase deployment efficiency. With a diverse supporter base, the Cooperative has a unique potential to explore the impact various emerging technologies have on production forestry.

Current research and primary contacts:

Physiology, biochemistry, and biomass production in genetically improved loblolly pine

RA/ PhD student: Mike Aspinwall

PIs: Steve McKeand and John King

Project Funding Source: NCSU-CTIP and NCSU-FER

FrCAD - A study to examine the effect(s) of two major genes in loblolly pine growth and fusiform rust resistance

RAs: W. Patrick Cumbie and Saul Garcia

PI: Steve McKeand

Project Funding Source: NCSU-CTIP

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Wood Quality Research

A combination of superior growth, disease resistance and desired wood quality of clones for deployment will increase the global competitiveness of our members. Determining the wood quality of selected genotypes for deployment will be crucial to match specific clones to the end-product quality. The aim is to produce more wood with targeted characteristics more efficiently on less land. We are investigating different genetic and environmental effects on wood properties, as well as developing rapid and cost efficient wood quality screening methods to use in tree improvement.

Current research and primary contacts:

Presently, there is no specific project being conducted in this area. Please contact us if interested in discussing possible collaborations.

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