On behalf of the organizing committee I warmly welcome all of you to the IUFRO Tree Biotechnology Conference 2011 in Arraial d’Ajuda, Bahia, Brazil.
Forest trees have unquestionably entered the genomic era. The updated version of the Populus genome, the recently released Eucalyptus genome and the concerted efforts towards a conifer genome sequence are fueling a multitude of studies and applications both in sustainable forest production and conservation. Time calls for the effective integration of genomics into forestry with an increased sense of urgency for the delivery of applied biotechnologies.
“From genomes to integration and delivery”, this was the theme chosen for the 2011 edition of the IUFRO Tree Biotechnology Conference, first time to be held in South America. In nine scientific sessions we will highlight current advances in forest tree genetics, physiology, stress response, molecular breeding, in vitro and propagation technologies, wood development and 'omics technologies. Discussions on hot issues such as genetically modified (GM) trees, biosafety and the overall value of biotechnology will also be addressed.
I am convinced that we were able to bring to Brazil most of the world’s brain power in forest tree genomics and biotechnology. It is a privilege to gather such an outstanding team of international scientists who will share their results and vision on the present and future of this fast moving area of forest science. Likewise we are delighted to garner the contributions of brilliant young scientist and students, who will deliver a very energetic and diverse collection of high-quality scientific presentations from a breadth of the international tree biotechnology research community.
During the seven days of the Conference we will listen to 26 invited lectures, 62 voluntary talks and 186 poster presentations, totaling 274 papers published as extended abstracts to better capture the content of this Conference edition. Papers are distributed across nine scientific sessions, submitted by 229 delegates out of the more than 320 registered. The meeting kicks off with a special workshop on the hot topic of “Genomic Selection applied to tree breeding” and a keynote opening lecture by Ron Sederoff a world-renown pioneer of forest biotechnology. The conference includes a one-day field trip to the forest operations and mill of VERACEL Cellulose and will also hold a number of satellite technical workshops hosted by some of our sponsors and by a European project on the biosafety of GM trees. Forty two countries are represented at the Conference with almost 100 different laboratories from tens of Universities, research institutions and private companies.
We are thrilled to have you down in Brazil, many of you, we know, for the first time. There could not be a better place to hold this Conference: the dazzling beaches of Bahia in Arraial d’Ajuda, a district of the city of Porto Seguro. Not only is it a key historical site where Brazil was “discovered” by the Portuguese navigators back in 1500, but it is next door to some of the most productive and technically advanced forest plantations on earth and one of the most charming touristic destinations in Brazil. The “beach time” slots in the conference program and a vibrant social program scheduled should provide a relaxed and informal atmosphere to help foster very productive scientific interactions. It is thus our hope that this conference edition will provide an exceptional mix of science, social activities and field exploration.
We would like to acknowledge the outstanding financial support provided by the competitive grants of the Brazilian Ministry of Science and Technology through the National Research Council (CNPq) and the Ministry of Education through its agency for graduate studies (CAPES). Major support was also provided by EMBRAPA (Brazilian Corporation of Agricultural Research) and VERACEL Cellulose, the host organizations, together with an exceptional suite of twelve private sponsors. Last but not least, we would also like to thank the members of the Scientific Committee who kindly helped with abstract review and session chairing; the team at Creacteve, the events agency that was instrumental with conference logistics; and Conference Service Mandl who provided an exceptional online system, greatly facilitating the overall organization. The Conference would not have been possible without the valuable contributions of all these players.
Once again welcome to the IUFRO Tree Biotechnology 2011. I wish you a very productive conference ahead and a most enjoyable stay in Brazil.
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