During the 4th International Consultation on Forest Genetics and Tree
Building, held in 1998 in Beijing, China, leading scientists were
invited to review past achievements, to redefine the role of forest
genetics and breeding in contemporary forestry, and to set priorities
for future research and development. On the basis of the invited
presentations, the volume summarizes the state of knowledge in various
fields, such as the impact of forest management and of changing
environmental conditions on genetic resources, and the value of genetic
markers as indicators for adaptational potential, as well as the tasks
of conservation.
Detailed reports from the different continents provide a comprehensive
diagnosis of the global situation of forest genetics and tree breeding
research. The book offers not only an overview of contemporary trends
and expected future developments, but also identifies current main
problems in funding and cooperation. It may prove therefore useful not
only for scientists, university lecturers and advanced students in the
field of forestry, ecology and conservation biology, but also for
decision makers and managers in companies and conservation
organizations.