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Programs

Genetic Improvement Program 

Program Manager: Prof Jim Reid
Project Leaders: Dr Nuno Borralho, Ms Claire Raymond, Dr René Vaillancourt, Dr Brad Potts, Mr V Hartney, Prof Jim Reid

This program aimed to achieve gains in plantation productivity by improving the genotypes of planting stock. This requires two major research thrusts. Firstly, the genetic resources available must be identified, reliable estimates of relevant genetics parameters determined and these used to develop efficient breeding strategies. Secondly, once genetically superior material has been identified, it must be transferred to plantations as quickly as possible either by seed or by vegetative propagation. These two needs form the basis of the two sub-programs of this Program, Genetic Resources and Propagation Strategies.  


Soil and Stand Management Program 

Program Manager: Dr P West 
Project Leaders: Dr C Beadle, Mr R Cromer, Dr P Smethurst, Dr Peter Sands

This program examined forest growth and yield in relation to environmental factors, particularly temperature, the availability of water and nutrients and soil physical properties.

Through understanding these processes, it aims to develop a complete description of the plantation ecosystem and develop a complete description of the plantation ecosystem and develop silvicultural tools for the forest grower to maximise wood yield at a minimum environmental impact. 


Resource Protection Program 

Program Manager: Dr J Madden
Project Leaders: Dr J Madden, Dr A Clarke, Dr H Elliott, Prof M Stoddart

Projects within the program endeavoured to more fully understand the biology, behaviour and ecology of major insect and vertebrate pests of plantation eucalypts and develop appropriate strategies for their control. Research is conducted within the parameters of integrated pest management and involves biological control, cultural practices, pesticide evaluation, host tree selection behaviour and the genetics of host tree tolerance/resistance to pest attack.


Education and Communication Program 

Program Manager: Niel Davidson

The main aims of the Education and Communication Program were to:

  • expand postgraduate and postdoctoral research in the areas of tree genetics, forest protection (against predation by insects and vertebrates) and management of plantation eucalypts
  • involve CRC scientists, who are not teaching staff in University departments, in supervision at the postgraduate level and in teaching in undergraduate courses
  • communicate the results of research conducted at the Centre to the industrial partners, to other scientists within the CRC and to the public, through the production of reports, workshops, seminars, and field days
  • raise public awareness of the objectives of the CRC and the high quality of the research conducted by it through open days and public displays
  • generate a CRC ethos amongst members of different departments and institutions on the campus at the University of Tasmania