Forest Tree Breeding in Europe, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2013 Current State-of-the-Art and Perspectives Managing Forest Ecosystems Series, Vol. 25

Forest tree breeding has been ongoing for more than 70 years across Europe. It has successfully generated improved varieties for the major economical forest tree species. They are part of the present European forestry landscape and largely contribute to intensive wood production and other forest activities. In this book, we describe the state-of-art of breeding for the main forest tree species. We provide a comprehensive, unique and up-to-date overview of the major scientific results and breeding achievements gathered from the many programmes scattered across Europe. The book is divided into 10 chapters, each as a monograph corresponding to a species or group of species Abies spp., (Larix spp., Picea abies, Picea sitchensis, Pinus sylvestris, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Mediterranean pines; Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinusexcelsior,  and Prunusavium). Each of them is written by a group of experts and focuses on the distribution and economical importance of the species; motivation for breeding and breeding objectives; intraspecific genetic variability, breeding populations and breeding strategy; forest reproductive material deployment including mass-propagation and, prospects and perspectives for joint research and breeding. The book is a unique and up-dated source of information for students, researchers and professionals interested in the genetics and domestication of forest tree species.

1. Introduction
L.E.Pâques

Part I: Breeding of Confires

2. Larches (Larix sp.)
L.E. Pâques, E. Foffová, B. Heinze, M.A. Lelu-Walter, M. Liesebach, G. Philippe

Introduction
The Starting Point: Description of the Geographical Organization of Genetic Diversity
Larch Breeding Today
European-Wide Breeding Perspectives

3. Norway Spruce (Picea abies (L.) H.Karst.)
G. Jansson, D. Danusevičius, H. Grotehusman, J. Kowalczyk, D. Krajmerova, T. Skrøppa, H. Wolf

Introduction
Description of the Geographical Organization of Genetic Diversity
Norway Spruce Breeding
Major Achievements and Results
Forest Regeneration Material Deployment
European-Wide Breeding Perspectives

4. Sitka Sruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.)
S. Lee, D. Thompson, J. Kehlet Hansen

Introduction
Breeding
Quantitative Data
Wood Quality
Forest Reproductive Material Deployment and Genetic Gains
Knowledge Gaps and Research Needs
European-Wide Breeding Perspectives

5. Mediterranean Pines (Pinus halepensis Mill. and brutia Ten.)M. Regina Chambel, J. Climent, C. Pichot, F. Ducci

Introduction
Taxonomy, Biology and Ecology of Aleppo Pine
The Current Situation as a Starting Point for Breeding
Current Breeding Programmes, Description and Results                                Additional Factors Affecting Future Breeding of Aleppo and Brutia Pines

6. Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)
U.K. Krakau, M. Liesebach, T. Aronen, M.A. Lelu-Walter, V. Schneck

Introduction
Biology, Ecology and Genetics of Scots Pine
Scots Pine in Treebreedex Countries
Present Situation as Starting Point for Breeding
Breeding of Scots Pine
Somatic Embryogenesis
Scots Pine and Climate Change
Knowledge Gaps and Research Needs
European-Wide Breeding Perspectives

7. Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco)
J.C. Bastien, L. Sanchez, D. Michaud 

Introduction
Description of Genetic Diversity
Breeding
Forest Reproductive Material Deployment
European-Wide Breeding Perspectives

Part II: Breeding of Broadleaves

8. Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.)
D. Krabel, H. Wolf

Introduction
Genetic and Knowledge
Breeding of Acer in Europe
Knowledge Gaps
Prospects for Acer Pseudoplatanus Breeding in Europe

9. Common Ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.)
G. C. Douglas, A. Pliura, J. Dufour, P. Mertens, D. Jacques, J. Fernandez-Manjares, J. Buiteveld, Gh. Parnuta, M. Tudoroiu, Y. Curnel, M. Thomasset, V. Jensen, M. Knudsen, E. Foffova, A. Chandelier, M. Steenackers

Biology, Ecology and Natural Distribution of AshGene Conservation
Importance of Ash Dieback Disease Chalara fraxinea
Other Diseases and Pests of Importance on Ash
Phenology, Seed Production, Stratification and Seed Orchards
Value of Ash and Sources of Planting Stock
Assessment of Genetic Variation of Adaptive Traits, Growth and Quality Based on Data and Summary Evaluation of Provenance/Progeny Trials in European Countries
Heritabilities of Important Silivicultural Traits and Age–Age Correlations
Assessment of Genetic Variation, Hybridization, Gene Flow and Inbreeding Using Neutral Molecular Marker Variation
Current Genetic Improvement Programmes
Breeding Methodology
Vegetative Propagation and Cryopreservation
Europe-Wide Perspectives and Conclusions  

10. Wild Cherry (Prunus avium (L.) L.)
F. Ducci, B. De Cuyper, A. De Rogatis, J. Dufour, F. Santi

Introduction
Biology, Ecology and Genetics of Wild Cherry
Natural and Cultivated Area
Breeding of Wild Cherry
European-Wide Breeding Perspectives
List of authors and contributors

Subject index

Provides up-to-date information on national and collaborative programmes for genetic improvement of ten most important forest tree species across Europe

Illustrates the diversity of breeding strategies used for forest trees and proposes perspectives for future collaborative breeding

Compiles and assesses the most important scientific results and breeding achievements for species of major economic importance