Metla Project 3365

Genetic basis of adapted traits and economically important characteristics in forest trees

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Duration: 2004-2009   Keywords: Adaptation to environment, Candidate genes, Disease resistance, Tree breeding, Wood property traits
Research project group: Distinct projects 1 - Structure and function of forest ecosystems

Objectives

Ample genetic variation has been found both in characters under natural selection and in economically important traits of forest trees. Information on the genetic basis of this variation will help to choose the most efficient breeding strategies (traditional breeding alone or together with molecular breeding). In this project, the genetic basis of variation in adaptive characteristics or economically important traits will be studied by using a candidate gene approach. In subproject 1) Genetic basis of adaptive variation we will study the molecular basis of variation in an adaptive character (trichome production) in natural populations of Arabidopsis lyrata by using the candidate gene approach. Subproject 2) TREESNIPS: Developing markers for adaptive variation in forest trees is a four year EU-project where, using the candidate gene approach, several groups try to identify genes that cause variation in adaptively important traits and assess the possibilities for molecular breeding. In the subproject 3, the genetic basis of disease resistance will be studied and in subproject 4, a new project on the genetic basis of variation in wood properties will be launched.

Project leader: Kärkkäinen, Katri
The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Oulu Unit, PO Box 413 (Rakentajantie 3), FI-90014 Oulun yliopisto, FINLAND
Phone: +358 29 532 3767
E-mail: katri.karkkainen@metla.fi

Other researchers: Beuker, Egbert, PU (2009), Hantula, Jarkko, VA (2009), Harju, Anni, PU (2008-09), Huttunen, Piritta (2008), Häkkinen, Risto, ME (2005-09), Kivimäki, Maarit (2005-08), Luomajoki, Alpo (2005), Rusanen, Mari, VA (2008-09), Sutinen, Sirkka, JO (2007-09), Vakkari, Pekka, VA (2008-09), Velling, Pirkko, VA (2004-09), Venäläinen, Martti, PU (2008-09), Viherä-Aarnio, Anneli, VA (2005-09)


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Updated 31.12.2012
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