The Forest Genomics Programme at Stellenbosch University, led by Prof Zander Myburg, advances the understanding and application of genome diversity in forest trees to support more sustainable, productive breeding. Our work uncovers the genetic basis of key traits such as growth, wood quality, and environmental adaptation, while helping shape emerging paradigms in genomic breeding, including pan-, population, and landscape genomics in addition to haplotype-based breeding.
We apply integrated, data-driven approaches across a range of genome sequencing strategies and population types – from long-read sequencing that captures genome structural diversity, to high-throughput genome resequencing in pedigreed populations, and cost-effective genotyping in large breeding populations – to support tree improvement programmes in South Africa and beyond. This includes targeted genotyping resources for quality control, enabling genetic resource management in the form of pedigree verification, genetic diversity assessment, and ancestry mapping across Eucalyptus species and hybrids.
In parallel, we incorporate remote phenotyping and environmental data to improve our understanding of the genetic basis of growth, development, and genotype-by-environment interactions, working towards an “in silico breeding” framework that accelerates tree improvement and strengthens resilience in a changing climate.
