ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how forest genetic research could contribute to this global challenge, drawing on examples, particularly from the experiences of FuturaGene-Suzano in the development of yield-enhanced Eucalyptus in Brazil. To prevent natural resources from becoming binding constraints for development, the world economy must be better reconciled within the finite global ecosystem. The latter approach lends itself best to short cycle plantations of semi-domesticated species such as Eucalyptus, Pinus and Populus, and the results have been most dramatically seen in Brazil and other Latin American countries such as Chile. In terms of carbon sequestration, the fastest rate of carbon sequestration occurs during the growth phase of a tree. Afterwards, as the growth rate diminishes, so does its carbon sequestration. The potential for genetic modification of trees for a number of purposes was recently the subject of a major review by International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
