Research: Selective breeding for low-rainfall forestry to deliver carbon sequestration benefits

Researchers are continuing to breed and evaluate new tree species and varieties, to cope with changed climatic conditions, for example drier conditions, shorter seasons and increased rainfall intensity.

Industry & Investment NSW - Primary Industries, in collaboration with the Australian Low Rainfall Tree Improvement Group, is looking at ways to introduce genetically improved tree breeds to NSW farms in areas of low rainfall.

Not only will this assist in carbon sequestration by increasing tree stocks, but will contribute to improving dryland salinity and other soil problems which have come about through the historical clearing of woodlands to develop pastures and croplands for agricultural purposes.

In the Australian Radiata pine plantation industry, breeders have already shown the financial benefits of genetic improvements by selecting the best locations from which to collect seed. Further selective breeding results in the best adapted plants, growth and stem form. This happens because in different areas of Australia, the species of plant might be better able to handle particular climate conditions or soils, competition from other plants, or exposure to the wind or sun.

So a particular species of eucalypt grown in Victoria for many years might be better able to tolerate frost than the same species grown in Queensland, where it is generally warmer and receives fewer frosts. If we wanted to grow one of those trees in areas of NSW that receive winter frosts, it might be sensible to choose seeds from the plants that had been growing well under frost conditions in Victoria. This is an example of selective breeding, and a very basic example of genetic improvement.

Genetic improvement aims to increase the amount and quality of the wood product in low-rainfall areas. Research conducted in this area could see plantations established in low-rainfall zones that are financially viable. Previously, low-rainfall areas could not support plantations with unimproved planting stock because they would not produce enough income.

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