CENTER FOR TREE GENETICS: Formation of a Joint Center between Purdue University and Oregon State University

Purdue University, West Lafayette IN

Investigators

Abstract

This action joins the Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC) with an existing National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC), the Tree Genetic Engineering Research Cooperative (TGERC) at Oregon State University. Both centers share the same goal: the study of technologies to genetically improve trees for use in intensively managed tree plantations. The objectives, structure, and policies of TGERC are well established, and similar to those of the HTIRC. HTIRC is vertically integrated with molecular and classical geneticists, tree physiologists, silviculturalists, and nursery and regeneration specialists. The strength is the ability to perform basic, applies, and developmental research so the genetic knowledge that is created will be delivered to industrial and private landowners in value-added products rather than knowledge that benefits only the scientific community.