Iceland

Forestry in Iceland mostly revolves around afforestation of treeless land by planting, with a variety of goals, including timber production, erosion control, reclamation of native forest ecosystems, amenity and shelter. The main tree species planted are native Betula pubescens and Sorbus aucuparia and exotic Larix sukaczewii, Picea sitchensis, Pinus contorta and Populus trichocarpa. Management of genetic resources varies by species. Accelerated breeding and selection programmes are ongoing for Betula pubescens, Larix sukaczewii and Populus trichocarpa. Picea sitchensis seed is collected from stands of tested provenances and seed orchards of selected plus-trees have been established. Source identified material is used in propagation of Pinus contorta and Sorbus aucuparia. In addition to this, stands of native Betula pubescens with high genetic value have been identified and two of these can be considered to be gene reserves, since their management plans include provisions for genetic resource management.