We develop improved seedlings for purpose grown commercial plantations. Purpose grown trees are planted, maintained and harvested for a particular purpose. These “crops” of trees meet the criteria and needs of environmentalists, forest-dependent communities, and the needs of the global community by providing a renewable resource that relieves pressure on native forests by improving the productivity of working forests.
Most importantly, as fossil fuel supplies decrease and political situations become more unstable, focus is turning to biofuels and their potential to meet the world’s growing need for energy. Through tree improvement and increased productivity, we have shown that purpose grown trees can provide a sustainable source of feedstock to the biofuels industry. When purpose grown trees can meet increasing demands for wood, fiber and energy, then threatened native forests and endangered species have a chance to thrive.
