Breeding Douglas-fir

In this paper, we describe the (1) key elements that distinguish tree breeding from other types of crop breeding, (2) differences between Douglas-fir breeding and other types of tree breeding, (3) environmental, biological, and sociological factors that make Douglas-fir breeding unique, (4) current state of Douglas-fir breeding, and (5) future of Douglas-fir breeding and research needs. Although Douglas-fir improvement is practiced throughout the world, we will focus on Douglas-fir breeding in western North America (i.e., California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Idaho, and Montana), and the Pacific Northwest in particular - where most of the Douglas-fir breeding is occurring.