María del Rosario García Gil, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, SLU
Overall, my field of research focuses on the development of knowledge and tools for the implementation of genetics into sustainable forest management practices. This work involves the fields of quantitative genetics for the identification of genetically superior trees, population genetics to understand local adaptation, and how to assist forest adaptation to new climatic conditions and multiple stressors. When it comes to methods, I mostly use genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and remote sensing tools.
The critical role of genetic diversity in maintaining long-term forest health and biodiversity is often overlooked. However, recent advances in omics and remote sensing reveal a promising opportunity to integrate these fields, offering a new, sustainable model, which has been the driving motivation for my research in this area.
By applying genomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and image analysis, we have identified key genetic factors influencing local adaptation in Scots pine and Norway spruce. Our research has also shown that breeding for increased volume can enhance drought tolerance, though it may come at the cost of reduced genetic diversity for drought resistance. Currently, our work focuses on developing a method to assess genetic diversity that can be integrated with remote-sensing phenotyping. This tool is being implemented across 10 forests regenerated from seed orchard seedlings, aiming to enable real-time selection of superior trees, estimate the true gains achieved from using improved genetic material, and assess the success rate of seedling establishment.
I have been familiar with the SLU Breeding Network since its foundation, and it has already contributed significantly by funding my research on conifer inbreeding and supporting networking efforts, such as grants for my students to attend workshops and conferences. Additionally, the network has served as an effective platform for disseminating my research.
I envision a transformation in the field of tree breeding, shifting the focus from solely economic traits, such as volume, to a more balanced approach that includes important traits like biodiversity and wood quality. Additionally, other tree species may gain economic significance, especially as we diversify forest ecosystems. As nature-based management practices, such as Continuous Cover Forestry, grow in popularity, traditional breeding methods must evolve accordingly. My research aims to contribute by developing novel knowledge and tools that will help accelerate and guide this important transition
As traditional methods are being questioned, this is the time to introduce innovative ideas. It is no longer sufficient to be deeply specialized in a single area, such as breeding; you must also be able to place your expertise in a broader interdisciplinary context and communicate effectively across fields. This holistic approach is essential to driving the transformative processes now being demanded.