Transformative changes in tree breeding for resilient forest restoration

Deciding how to establish woodland in forest restoration is not straightforward as different outcomes may be obtained from establishment approaches, each with cost implications and degree of success limitations attached. Planning requires knowledge site conditions, including sites are likely respond under climate change. For objectives production high timber quality it that ground preparation will used, planting reproductive material (FRM) known traits, such as: survival growth establishment, drought tolerance adequate for projections, good resistance pests pathogens. associated biodiversity, carbon sequestration, water supply protection, soil natural regeneration could a less costly solution limited amount assisted translocation selected FRM improve resilience. If rewilding areas, colonisation perhaps some solution. Ignoring conditions suitability available sources provide unexpected results mix open ground, scrub scattered trees resulting climate, herbivore, browsing impacts. The recent B4EST EU Horizon 2020 project examined progress novel rapid approaches testing the existing genetic trials. Here we review work show opportunities transformative tree breeding schemes, including: new projection ensembles at temporal spatial resolution develop norms reaction transfer models components; multi-environment genotype-phenotype associations multi-locus genotype-environment identifying drivers local adaptation; techniques genomic selection using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays derive functional traits polygenic associations; on seed orchard specific zones deployment; ecosystem service benefits derived landscape scale. We conclude tree-breeding robust planting, (assisted regeneration), if “ignoring” but instead assisting processes – long-term resilience environmental