Gene research and biotechnology

Lead institute: Finnish Forest Research Institute

                         (Metla)

Project leader: Dr. Tuija Aronen

Background

Forest research institutes have a unique role in the field of gene research and biotechnology since they have access to genetic materials needed in gene research. Information from long term field trials involving families from old crossing experiments can be utilised and new pedigrees suitable for future gene mapping and QTL experiments can be produced. The same genetic material can be used in different studies in collaboration with universities and other partners to obtain e.g., more detailed gene maps. Both breeding and gene conservation will benefit from introducing new techniques from biotechnology and by information from gene research. Forest research institutes conduct both breeding and gene conservation programs and thus have the need and right knowledge to assess the application of new information and techniques in practice and identify crucial points where help of new techniques is most badly needed.

Objectives

Create more synergy in the field of gene research and biotechnology by creating possibilities to combine information from different studies; integrate new information and techniques to breeding programs and gene conservation work.

General approach

Existing genetic materials will be screened and suitable material for gene research and genomics identified. Furthermore, database on the use of known genetic material in different studies (breeding, molecular, gene expression) will be gathered to help the identification of optimal genetic material for future studies. Joint pedigrees for gene mapping will be established.