What is PLANFORLAB?
PLANFORLAB is a Supra-regional aimed at improving the health and productivity of coniferous forests by applying innovations in genetic material (Forest Reproductive Material, FRM) and adaptive silviculture, using the concept of a laboratory forest. The project’s innovations will enable coniferous stands to better cope with pests, diseases, and climate change, resulting in significant benefits for timber producers by improving wood quality and ensuring the economic sustainability of plantations. The project will focus on the development and use of improved plants of the species Pinus pinaster, Pinus radiata, and Pinus sylvestris, reproducing or amplifying innovative forest material to obtain high-quality genetically enhanced plants, which will be installed in trial plots within the laboratory forests.
A laboratory forest, as defined by PLANFORLAB, is a forest area designated for experimentation, learning, and research, located in zones facing current or imminent health risks. This space will be permanently adapted for data collection and the application of innovative silvicultural models, using improved and tested reproductive material, which will allow for monitoring and evaluating its response to climate change and the diseases affecting pine forests. These forests will also serve as demonstration spaces.
The PLANFORLAB network of laboratory forests will provide technological centers, foresters, forest managers, and other decision-makers with information on the effectiveness of genetic materials and adaptive silvicultural practices in a relevant environment. Additionally, PLANFORLAB will create a digital network to exchange innovative experiences and transfer results on forest plant genetic improvement and strategies against pathologies affecting coniferous forests. The project themes align with the objectives of the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI), including supporting viable forest incomes, increasing the competitiveness of forest holdings through research and technology, contributing to climate change adaptation, and promoting efficient management of natural resources.
PLANFORLAB is a Supra-regional aimed at improving the health and productivity of coniferous forests by applying innovations in genetic material (Forest Reproductive Material, FRM) and adaptive silviculture, using the concept of a laboratory forest. The project’s innovations will enable coniferous stands to better cope with pests, diseases, and climate change, resulting in significant benefits for timber producers by improving wood quality and ensuring the economic sustainability of plantations. The project will focus on the development and use of improved plants of the species Pinus pinaster, Pinus radiata, and Pinus sylvestris, reproducing or amplifying innovative forest material to obtain high-quality genetically enhanced plants, which will be installed in trial plots within the laboratory forests.
A laboratory forest, as defined by PLANFORLAB, is a forest area designated for experimentation, learning, and research, located in zones facing current or imminent health risks. This space will be permanently adapted for data collection and the application of innovative silvicultural models, using improved and tested reproductive material, which will allow for monitoring and evaluating its response to climate change and the diseases affecting pine forests. These forests will also serve as demonstration spaces.
The PLANFORLAB network of laboratory forests will provide technological centers, foresters, forest managers, and other decision-makers with information on the effectiveness of genetic materials and adaptive silvicultural practices in a relevant environment. Additionally, PLANFORLAB will create a digital network to exchange innovative experiences and transfer results on forest plant genetic improvement and strategies against pathologies affecting coniferous forests. The project themes align with the objectives of the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI), including supporting viable forest incomes, increasing the competitiveness of forest holdings through research and technology, contributing to climate change adaptation, and promoting efficient management of natural resources.
