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Tree Breeder

Focusing on improving the genetics of the trees contributes to the sustainability of the forest and the environment. The goal for the Tree Breeder is to, over time, enhance the genetics of the trees for a number of traits. This in turn provides the forest land owner with more robust, healthier, disease-resistant, and faster-growing trees.

Tree Breeder conduct various research experiments to achieve this goal. They implement breeding programs, including pollen collection, controlled crossing, cone collection, and seed extraction. The data produced by the breeding program helps to guide the establishment of orchards that produce seeds from the best-performing tree families to plant for healthy reforestation of the forests.

This career may also be referred to as a Tree Improvement Forester, a Forest Geneticist, a Tree Geneticist or a Tree Improvement Scientist.

David Barker

Genetic Resources Manager, Rayonier

I love that my job helps improve the health and growth of the forest across the tens of thousands of acres that we replant every year. One day can involve grafting, going up into the trees in a lift to look at tree flowers and pollen, and visiting test sites to pick the best new families for our breeding programs.

Education

An Associate of Science (AS) Degree in Forest Technology and at least 3 years of tree improvement and forestry-related field experience is required for this position. Some companies may require more advanced degrees.

If possible, participate in genetics research going on at your school: it will enable you to meet people in the field and will give you some exposure to what opportunities there are in forest genetics.

Helpful courses to take in high school: Plan to take various science courses, such as biology and earth science. Knowledge of plant organisms, their functions, and their interactions with their environment is critical. Agricultural classes are also beneficial, as they tend to expose the student to various industry-specific topics such as plant species, greenhouses, etc.

Tools of the Trade

  • Aerial boom lift. Much of the research conducted by a Tree Breeder is performed manually in the treetops. For example, pollen is collected by hand to ensure the genetic makeup of future trees is pure.
  • Pruning shears are used to clip clusters of catkins off of the trees. Large sifters are used to sift and shake the pollen out of the catkins. Pollen is then stored in a large bottle inside a large industrial freezer.
  • Cone and seed handling equipment.
  • Laboratory equipment such as droppers, test tubes, and DNA sequencing tools.
  • Grating knife and related supplies. Parent trees can be replicated by grafting, so this is a key activity in tree improvement.

Important Skills

A Tree Breeder should have a strong understanding of:

  • Plant and animal organisms (Biology).
  • How to identify various plant, soil, animal, and insect organisms.
  • Understanding of plant and animal cells, how they function, and the interactions they have with each other in the forest and surrounding environment.

Computer and basic software knowledge is also a must. During times of research, the Tree Breeder will input data and findings into various computer databases and perform various statistical analyses. 

Laboratory skills are necessary. A full understanding of laboratory tools, scientific methods, and chemical interaction knowledge. 

A love for forests and the outdoors, as the Tree Breeder spends quite a bit of his or her time outdoors experimenting and working with trees.

Job Responsibilities

Although the majority of their work focuses on the enhancement of tree genetics, a Tree Breeder must consider other factors contributing to the sustainability of the forests they manage. Additional tasks may include, but are not limited to:

  • Study the climatic adaptation of the tree families to ensure they are planted where they will prosper and not be adversely impacted by drought or cold.
  • Research soil issues, water quality, and other factors that may lead to deficiencies, ultimately affecting tree growth.
  • Conduct experiments to better understand the nutritional needs of the trees.
  • Study and identify insects that reside in the managed area. They may recommend methods to prevent the spread of invasive species.
  • Monitor the forest for outbreaks of new or established diseases. Some diseases can be prevented/minimized by planting tolerant/resistant families.
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