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Eucalyptus

Part 9. Transgenic Forest Tree Species
Carlos Alberto Labate

Carlos Alberto Labate

Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Genética, Sao Paulo, Brazil

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Teotônio Francisco de Assis

Teotônio Francisco de Assis

Assistech Ltda, Guaiba, RS, Brazil

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Shinitiro Oda

Shinitiro Oda

Suzano Papel e Celulose, São Paulo, Brazil

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Eduardo José de Mello

Eduardo José de Mello

Suzano Papel e Celulose, São Paulo, Brazil

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Esteban Roberto González

Esteban Roberto González

Suzano Papel e Celulose, São Paulo, Brazil

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Edival A. Valverde Zauza

Edival A. Valverde Zauza

Suzano Papel e Celulose, São Paulo, Brazil

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Edson Seizo Mori

Edson Seizo Mori

Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Departamento de Agricultura e Melhoramento Vegetal, Sao Paulo, Brazil

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Mario Luiz Teixeira de Moraes

Mario Luiz Teixeira de Moraes

Tecnologia de Alimentos e Sócio-Economia, Departamento de Fitotecnia, Sao Paulo, Brazil

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Luis Pedro Barrueto Cid

Luis Pedro Barrueto Cid

Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, Brazil

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Acelino Couto Alfenas

Acelino Couto Alfenas

Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Fitopatologia, Viçosa, Brazil

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Celso Foelkel

Celso Foelkel

Grau Celsius Ltda, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

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David H. Moon

David H. Moon

Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Genética, Sao Paulo, Brazil

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Mayra Costa da Cruz Gallo de Carvalho

Mayra Costa da Cruz Gallo de Carvalho

Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Genética, Sao Paulo, Brazil

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Danielle Gregorio Gomes Caldas

Danielle Gregorio Gomes Caldas

Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Genética, Sao Paulo, Brazil

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Raphael Tozelli Carneiro

Raphael Tozelli Carneiro

Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Genética, Sao Paulo, Brazil

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Alexander de Andrade

Alexander de Andrade

Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Genética, Sao Paulo, Brazil

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Guilhermo Rafael Salvatierra

Guilhermo Rafael Salvatierra

Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Genética, Sao Paulo, Brazil

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First published: 15 April 2009
Citations: 7

Abstract

The genus Eucalyptus is currently an important source of timber, cellulose pulp, and energy in a world that is becoming increasingly more conscious of the need to use renewable resources. This chapter initially explains the importance of hybridization and cloning techniques in intensive breeding programs that occurred in Brazil during the last few decades. The strength of these programs is based on the selection of the genetic material and the evaluation of the factors that can influence the expected genetic gains in forestry breeding programs using seeds. Factors such as endogamy, floral development, pollen viability, and pollination are discussed together with seed vigor and the influence of environmental factors on correct evaluation of candidate material. The recent application of molecular markers in eucalypt breeding programs is also mentioned with particular emphasis on genetic diversity, genotyping, and their association with disease resistance. An introduction into Eucalyptus tissue culture is also given as a prelude to the current status of genetic transformation using biolistics and Agrobacterium tumefaciens in this genus. The final sections describe the current challenges, disease resistance, and wood quality for large-scale cultivation and utilization of eucalyptus wood as prime material.

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