ISHS Acta Horticulturae 615: IV International Conifer Conference
THE DEVELOPMENT OF A GLOBAL TRADE |
| Author: | D.J. Bills |
| Keywords: | genetic manipulation, Pinus radiata, Sitka spruce, timber trade, tree breeding |
| Abstract:
Timber from coniferous trees has been a traded commodity since ancient times, with several interesting historical and archaeological references over at least three thousand years. A massive expansion of trade was caused by the industrial revolution, with countries and regions rich in conifers providing logs for construction to the new steam powered sawmills. The intensive management of conifer plantations has been a much later development supporting increasingly global industries producing timber, pulp and paper, wood panels and an exciting range of new engineered products. Exotic species and trees improved through selection and breeding, have combined with new plantation techniques to massively increase growth rates and the quality of logs and fibre. Today the trade is both huge and technologically sophisticated. Modern uses, and the development of recycling processes, show how far this commodity has evolved from its status as a fuel and utility material to a sustainable resource underpinning 21st century lifestyles | |
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