Workshop on Forest Genetic Common Gardens

Genetic trial (or common garden)  networks are an essential infrastructure which provide experimental data to address different aspects of the adaptation, evolution, conservation and sustainable use of forest tree species under climate change. However, many of the networks established in the past, had one single  major objective:  the selection of best material for afforestation, with strong  biases in their choice of  populations and sites. Reciently, new tools (phenotyping, genotyping, environmental modelling) have been developed, making it necessary to revisit the analysis of existing networks. As scientists we can provide insights for stakeholders in order to replace and improve these networks in the light of the new scientific and practical developments.

The Objectives of this workshop are:

• To examine the state of the art of existing genetic trials network
• Advanced experimental designs to address the main aim of field experiments
• To discuss the application of new tools (phenotyping, genotyping, modelling).
• To discuss data sharing, repositories and analytical methods.
• To provide recommendations for new genetic trial networks.
• To discuss on a policy paper on forest genetic trials networks.