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The INTA Bariloche, Argentina

The INTA Bariloche Forest Systems Research Area includes four working groups: Forest Ecology, Genetics, Insect Ecology and Silviculture. The objective is to produce knowledge about the dynamics and the functioning of native and implanted forest systems. In addition, the unit generates forest management tools that contribute to the sustainable development of the region. The research is executed at the individual tree, forest stand and landscape levels. Studies on water relations, resistance to drought and influence of climate on wood characteristics generate knowledge on the ecophysiological basis of forest tree species. Population genetics studies include genetic characterization of natural populations, evolutionary processes, functional genomics, quantitative genetics and genetic improvement. These studies use genetic markers as well as quantitative, potentially adaptive traits involved in architecture, phenology, physiology and growth. The study of evolutionary processes such as genetic flow and adaptation allows to predict the behaviour of forests facing different types of human interventions and environmental processes, such as the global climate change. Functional genomics tackles the genetic basis of adaptation to water stress and of other functions through a strategy of candidate genes and transcriptome study. The Area manages two genetic improvement programs for the two most productive forest tree species in the region: Ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir. Likewise, low-intensity breeding programs are carried out in the native species with the greatest production potential. We also study how genetic improvement affects the resilience and the resistance of plantations to extreme climatic events. As for the study of insect ecology, research focuses particularly on the relationship between individual behaviour and population dynamics, and on the ecology of biological invasions.

INRAE BIOFORA, France

BIOFORA (Biologie intégrée pour la valorisation de la diversité des arbres et de la forêt) is an INRAE Research Unit belonging to INRAE Val de Loire centre and located near the Orléans University campus.  BIOFORA depends on the INRAE ECODIV department (Structure, fonctionnement et évolution des écosystèmes continentaux faiblement anthropisés) and on the ONF (Office National des Forêts, National Forest Service), which coordinate environmental studies carried out on forests, grassland and fresh waters. BIOFORA brings together specific skills in breeding, genetics, genomics, physiology and wood sciences applied to forest trees. BIOFORA develops integrative biological approaches to produce knowledge on the genetic determinism of complex traits involved in tree development (phenology, growth, wood properties) and on the mechanisms of tree adaptation to environmental constraints, such as resistances to pathogens and, through collaborations, resistance to drought. In BIOFORA, the breeding programs developed on different forest tree species (poplar, Douglas-fir, larch, ash, Scots pine and wild cherry) rely on innovative strategies for the selection and dissemination of genetic gains. In addition, BIOFORA scientists assess and manage forest tree genetic diversity to define the most effective strategies for combining short-term adaptation towards environmental and economic challenges and preserving long-term conservation of the genetic resources. Therefore, the research leads to a variety of scientific productions ranging from scientific papers to new forest varieties.

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Huanta, Perú

The Department of Engineering and Environmental Management of UNAH, as a young university, has to date among its lines of research: mitigation and adaptation to climate change in high Andean ecosystems of the Central Andes, having experience in developing and validating methodologies in remote sensing, integrating them to the study of ecology and territory. Therefore, we wish to extend the scope and generalise these methodologies in other ecosystems. Our aim is to contribute to the production of knowledge to society, which is translated into scientific publications.

Posgrado en ciencias forestales of the Colegio de Postgraduados, Mexico

The Postgraduate Program in Forest Sciences of the CP is located in Central Mexico and conducts research in different topics related to forest ecosystems in coniferous species of cold temperate climate in mountain areas, as well as in tropical forests. It includes among its research lines and working groups the areas of ecophysiology, genetics, genetic improvement, silviculture and forest ecology. The general objective of the working groups is to generate knowledge and technology to address the challenges related to increasing production, productivity and competitiveness of forest ecosystems in a context of climate change. One of the study approaches is the knowledge of the adaptation and response mechanisms of trees to biotic and abiotic stress factors, with the intention of reducing the negative impacts of these factors on the functionality of ecosystems, in order to contribute to their conservation and sustainable management. Research results are disseminated to society in general through scientific and technical publications and technology transfer directly to forestry producers and technicians.