Genetic improvement of willows for energy plantations

Seven countries participated in the 3-year programme (1986–1988) of the Willow Breeding Activity, Task 2 of the International Energy Agency's Bioenergy Agreement. The objectives of the activity were to facilitate the development of superior, high yielding willow clones for energy plantations by (a) exchange of genetic stock, (b) exchange of information on breeding studies, and (c) joint actions. The results of this cooperative activity are discussed accordingly. Significant achievements are in (a) enrichment of the genetic stock, especially of North American willow species; (b) evaluation and stimulation of genetic studies and breeding programmes; and (c) joint actions on disease surveys, clonal identification problems, joint testing methods and willow feedstock qualities for energy conversion. The development of high yielding stock (30 odt/ha per year or more) seems to be within reach.