This proposal addresses development of improved mass propagation and field transfer techniques for hardwood forestry species, using Eucalyt)tus as a model genus. The proposed research builds on recent breakthroughs in field transfer technology, most notably, in the areas of lignification in vitro, direct field rooting of plantlcts and in vitro hardening techniques. Additionally, the proposed research addresses issues in mass propagation economics and scale up. In order to become competitive, tissue cultured trees must be produced in much larger volumes at a very reduced cost. Recent advances in automated liquid cultures (micro-hydrot)oni@cs and extended subculture intervals will be investigated in view of their labor-saving potential. Phases 11 and III will merge micropropagation systems for forestry species with automation and mechanization processes currently in development. This research and development effort will enable costs to become more favorable for large scale commercial application, while improving the quality and early field performance of the cloned transplants.Applications:Cost-effective mass propagation techniques for forestry species have great economic potential. Currently, the forestry industry supports over 5 million dollars annually research clonal propagation systems for forestry species. Trends in forestry are towards replacing direct seeding with the planting of transplants costing upwards of 2 cents apiece, thereby approaching the future cost of automated tissue culture transplants. Benefits of the proposed research include the potential for planting clonal forests using elite tree selections. The additional cost for a clonal transplant is incremental versus the large yield and performance benefits realizable with clonal trees.
