Tree breeding

Tree breeding aims to improve the properties of the trees and begins with the selection of trees in the forest that meet the sought standards of different traits. It then continues with testing, selection and cross-breeding. In each generation the best trees are selected for further breeding and mass-propagation.

Seedlings from second generation of plantations have up to 20% increased growth. A third generation of plantations is expected to produce seedlings around year 2015. Alternatively to sexual reproduction, vegetative propagation can be applied. Time saving and increased selection possibilities are the greatest benefits. Spruce cuttings from controlled crossings give 20-25% increase in growth, but such cuttings are still only produced on a small scale.

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