RESEARCH & EDUCATION PROGRAMS - Conifer Translational Genomics Network

The USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service – National Research Initiative – 2007 Plant Genome Program and USDA Forest Service are collaborating to co-fund the competitively awarded Conifer Translational Genomics Network Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP).

Project Director, Co-Project Directors and Collaborators:

David Neale, University of California - Davis, and Institute of Forest Genetics, USDA Forest Service
Steve McKeand, North Carolina State University
Jeff Dean, University of Georgia Dudley Huber, University of Florida
Tom Byram, Texas A&M University
Glenn Howe, Oregon state University
Nick Wheeler, Oregon State University
David Harry, Oregon State University
Jennifer Lee, University of California - Davis
Jill Wegrzyn, University of California - Davis
Brad St. Clair, USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station
Dana Nelson, USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station

Goals, Objectives, Outcomes and Impact
The goal of the Conifer Translational Genomics Network (CTGN) project is to provide tree breeders across the United States with new tools to enhance and accelerate traditional tree improvement activities. These “knowledge-based” tools derive value from experimentally demonstrated associations between traits of interest, like wood density or disease resistance, and the tree’s genetic code (genetic markers). By adding genetic markers to their toolbox, breeders will be able to select superior trees more accurately, more rapidly, and at lower cost than using traditional approaches alone. These enhanced approaches will permit greater utilization of the abundant genetic variation inherent in tree populations while simultaneously avoiding controversy associated with other technologies such as genetic engineering. It is anticipated that within five years cooperatives producing virtually all of the conifer seedlings in the United States (>1.3 billion annually) might benefit from this technology improvement. Methods for implementing the technology in applied tree breeding programs will be thoroughly reviewed and economically evaluated; results of these studies will be delivered directly to tree breeders managing the major tree improvement cooperatives around the country. In addition to validating new genomics-based tools, the project will undertake an assertive and comprehensive education and extension program that will provide 1) a graduate-level curriculum for teaching molecular tool-based breeding in trees, and 2) widespread training for undergraduate and graduate students, tree breeders, managers, lay-people and other stakeholders through a series of workshops, internships and classes. The CTGN will draw from or deliver to virtually all conifer genomics scientists and tree breeders in the United States.