SPRUCE-UP

The Spruce-Up Project addresses these challenges in partnership with actively participating partner End-Users (BC Ministry of Forests, Land and Natural Resource Operations, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec, Natural Resources Canada, Forest Products Innovations, and the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre). It will deliver leading knowledge, socioeconomic decision support tools and applied genomic tools to significantly enhance conventional breeding programs and accelerate the development and deployment of genomics-improved spruce stock. Spruce-Up focuses on biomarkers and tailored marker systems for improving insect and drought resistance, nutrient use efficiency, and wood quality and productivity from natural genetic variation. Spruce-Up outcomes would leverage established spruce breeding and reforestation programs by increasing commercial value of new trees, reducing risk by shortening rotations, and reducing losses due to environmental disturbances.