Genetics in sustainable forestry: the challenges for forest genetics and tree breeding in the new millennium

The lifeʹs work of Professor Gene Namkoong helped to lay the theoretical and quantitative foundations for modern forest genetics and tree breeding. It also emphasized the practical and ethical issues of the conservation of forest gene resources. As we enter a new millennium the challenges facing forest geneticists and tree breeders include recognition of changing demands on forests for a range of forest products of different quantities and qualities; development and wise application of the new molecular technologies for genetic manipulation and practical breeding; presentation of the values of genetics to policy-makers and to the concerned public; capture of resources for research and development as forestry moves from the public sector to private institutions; and preparation for a future that is uncertain politically, economically, socially, and environmentally.