Just a decade after the first forest tree genome sequence was published (that of black cottonwood in 2006), the rapidly evolving tools and methods of 'omics' and bioinformatics have advanced our understanding of the following topics: tree growth and development; the responses of trees to intrinsic and extrinsic factors; the remarkable buffering capacity of trees, enabling them to cope with chronic stresses and extreme events; the molecular basis of genetic variation within and between species and the way in which this variation has been shaped by evolutionary forces and its relationship to phenotypic variation and adaptation. Genomics will undoubtedly play a major role over the next decade and beyond, not only to further understand the mechanisms underlying the adaptation and evolution of these organisms, but also to develop and implement innovative management and policy actions to preserve the adaptability of natural forests and intensively managed plantations. Knowledge gained through the use of 'omics' technologies can thus have a huge potential impact when helping forests adapt to the main challenges they will face in the future (e.g. increasing wood demand, pressure to conserve forest areas, climate changes and associated threats). Therefore, the objective of this conference - bringing together researchers from the four working parties of IUFRO subdivision 2.4 (Forest Genetics) - is to present and discuss new scientific findings in the area of population, quantitative and evolutionary genetics and how they can be applied in genetic resource conservation and breeding. Participants may submit contributions from empirical, experimental and theoretical pieces of works, that address key leading scientific and applied issues. ... [Information of the supplier]
