Why is this research important to Alberta?
- Climate change in Alberta has been impacting forests for over a decade.
- Our understanding of the trees being used to produce seed for reforestation has largely been restricted to height (growth), with little understanding of the variation in, for example, drought tolerance, insect resistance, or wood quality.
- By integrating genomic (using Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS) technology) and phenomic (17,000 measurements in total) information of mature trees grown in common garden trials and seedlings under controlled environmental conditions, for both white spruce and lodgepole pine, we were able to investigate new pathways in selecting more resilient parent trees producing seed for reforestation.
- In addition, we were able to show and correct errors in pedigrees and further develop new genomic estimated breeding values where only pedigree-based breeding values were possible before.
- Prediction accuracy was also greatly enhanced.
- The environmental impact will ultimately be more resilient forests for communities.
What is the goal of this work? How will genomics be used?
- This project was a proof of concept in showcasing the advances that can be made with the integration of genomics with traditional methods of advancing forest genetics in Alberta.
- We also worked with both the forest industry and the Government (policy makers) to help develop, conduct, and guide the practical uses of products and information produced by this project.
- We showed that a combination of selection priorities can be used together in developing the next generation of seed orchards, advanced analytics can and were used to advance selection efficiency and more comprehensive decision-making.
- Furthermore, by removing errors in the data, more robust decisions and outcomes can be expected with greater confidence.
- Data generated in RES-FOR is still currently being used to explore new analytical tools for a greater understanding of responses in these trees to climate, in particular, which is informing the ‘Best Future Forests: Advanced Forest Genomics and Integrative Resource Management System’ project (BFF-AFIRMS, more information below).
What are the expected benefits, and how will the research findings be shared?
- The RES-FOR project has advanced the opportunity to use genomics beyond traditional tree improvement (TI) to enhance Alberta’s breeding programs, with expanded partner engagement in the sector and Government collaborators.
- This work led to the development of a reference genome for interior lodgepole pine and the development of BFF-AFIRMS, a multimillion-dollar industry-sponsored project.
This project is producing 2 major resources:
- Two ~50K Axiom single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping arrays (pine and spruce);
- A scalable, relational database to house all TI data in Alberta.
Related Resources
Related information can be accessed through:
- Initiative website: Home – RESFOR