Tree biotechnology is an important tool for enhancing the productivity of commercial forests. Biotechnology research in plant tissue culture, genetic improvement and genomics technology is expanding the forestry industry’s capabilities to identify and utilize new molecular techniques for tree improvement. One of the methods ArborGen uses to improve trees utilizes modern biotechnology to make precise genetic changes to impart beneficial traits to the tree.

Through the application of modern biotechnology, ArborGen is helping produce trees that grow faster, resist stressful environments, withstand diseases and pests, and produce superior quality wood. ArborGen is dedicated to improving the sustainable productivity of commercial forests, and is researching and developing improved trees to help meet the world’s ever-increasing demand for wood products.

Trees grown and harvested from well-managed commercial forests offer numerous benefits including a positive impact on the environment and the world’s native forests. ArborGen has developed trees that have more cellulose and less lignin, which helps pulp and paper manufacturers attain their environmental objectives by using fewer chemicals during processing.

ArborGen has made significant progress toward:

• Testing and selection of elite varieties to provide the best performing trees that can be grown from traditional breeding
• Discovery of genes for improving growth, yield, adaptability and wood quality
• Development of trees with genetic improvements for use in working plantation forests
• Quality assurance standards and regulatory compliance