Leading Tree Improvement Efforts Throughout the Southeastern United States
The Southern Forest Tree Improvement Committee (SFTIC) is the de facto professional organization of tree improvement specialists throughout the southeastern United States. SFTIC has organized and directed tree improvement efforts and has sponsored many studies including the first quantification of geographic variation in the southern pines. The Southern Forest Tree Improvement Conference organized by SFTIC has met biennially for 70 years to exchange information and to discuss future needs.
Our objectives:
A. To foster and encourage the advancement of knowledge, training and education related to southern forest genetics and tree improvement for academic, government, and industry scientists at all career levels with a focus on undergraduate and graduate students.
B. To provide a forum for scientists to learn about innovative science and emerging technologies for forest genetics and tree improvement by sponsoring the biennial SFTIC Conference, ensuring the SFTIC conference proceedings are published, and co-sponsoring related meetings.
C. To provide a clearinghouse for information on (i) forest genetics and tree improvement, (ii) genetic conservation, (iii) species and ecosystem restoration, (iv) resistance and tolerance to pests and pathogens and abiotic stress, and (v) adaptation to climate change using traditional and emerging tools such as breeding and plant propagation, genomics and related technologies, and biotechnology.
D. To provide the forest genetics and tree improvement community with coordination and networking opportunities, including sharing new threats and trends in forest health across the South.
E. To advance and promote the application of tree genetics and tree improvement for improving forest health and productivity.
