Biotechnology

Biotechnology Conference
FAO Global Agrifood Biotechnologies Conference

Biotechnologies for a Sustainable Future: Driving Agrifood Systems Transformation

Programme
16 - 18 june 2025, FAO, Rome

Biotechnologies in managing forest genetic resources

  Tuesday 17 June
  11.00 - 12.30
  Sheikh Zayed Centre

The session will present highlights of biotechnology applications in the forest sector. The examples will focus on the production of forest reproductive material, accelerating tree breeding, enhancing the use of native multipurpose tree species, and conserving and using the diversity of wild fruit tree species. The speakers will first share lessons learnt based on their work and views on the role of biotechnology in supporting sustainable forest management. The session will then continue with a panel discussion, also engaging the audience, before summarizing recommendations for future applications of biotechnology in conserving, using and developing forest genetic resources.

  • Mass production of superior teak planting stock for sustainable forestry
    Ms Doreen K.S. Goh (Managing Director, YSG Bioscape Sdn. Bhd., Sabah Foundation Group, Malaysia)
  • Advances in applying genomics to accelerate forest tree breeding
    Mr Dario Grattapaglia (Senior Research Scientist, EMBRAPA, Brazil)
  • Biotechnologies to enhance the conservation and use of African tree germplasm
    Ms Alice Muchugi (Theme Leader, Tree Genetic Resources and Biodiversity, World Agroforestry, Kenya)
  • Sustainable use of wild Oceanian citrus species in breeding programmes for disease resistance
    Mr Peter Prentis (Professor, School of Biology and Environment Science, Queensland University of Technology, Australia)