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Deployment issues and genetic diversity in tree breeding

Last updated on February 3, 2022

Genetic variation is necessary in commercial forest tree plantations. Seedlots registered for use on Crown land must meet a threshold value to maintain diversity across the landscape. Too few genotypes could subject plantations to unacceptable risks to current or future biotic and abiotic threats.

Government researchers from British Columbia developed technical standards that would reflect the best available information on an acceptable minimum level of genetic diversity for reforestation seedlots. The Chief Forester’s Standards for Seed Use still maintain these technical recommendations.

The following report is a synthesis of the research conducted on genetic diversity in forests:

Simulation model

Results from a simulation model to minimize risk for both a known and unknown future pest threats:

The purpose of these standards is to maintain the identity, adaptability, diversity and productivity of the B.C.’s tree gene resources:

Contact information

Send your inquiry to a key contact from the forest genetics research program


ForestGenetics@gov.bc.ca