Third announcement, May 29, 2018

Dear Colleagues and strong Supporters of the IUFRO 2.09.02 Working Party,
“Somatic Embryogenesis and Other Vegetative Propagation Technologies”

https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-2/20000/20900/20902/

Our 5^th International Conference will be held at the University of Coimbra, Department of Life Sciences

September 10-15, 2018, Coimbra, Portugal

“Clonal trees in the bioeconomy age:
opportunities and challenges”

Join us for a productive and friendly meeting focused on both classical and biotechnological inputs to vegetative propagation of woody plants,
and also to discover the Secrets of Coimbra!

Conference Webpages: www.uc.pt/en/uid/biotec/events/iufro2018

Important deadlines:

Abstract submission: May 31, 2018, only 2 days remaining!

Submit your abstract!

http://www.uc.pt/en/uid/biotec/events/iufro2018/abstract_submission

Registration at regular fees: June 30, 2018

Register!

http://www.uc.pt/en/uid/biotec/events/iufro2018/registration

A student’s scientific awarding competition is opened

Participate in the competition!

http://www.uc.pt/en/uid/biotec/events/iufro2018/ssc.pdf

Deadline for applicants: June 15, 2018, only 2 weeks remaining!

Results will be published by June 30, 2018 at the Conference webpage

Two IUFRO travel grants (full support) are available
to forest scientists from economically disadvantaged countries

See the criteria for sponsorship and candidate application

http://www.uc.pt/en/uid/biotec/events/iufro2018/sap.pdf

Deadline for applicants: May 31, 2018, only two days remaining!

Conference Secretariat:

João Martins & Jorge Canhoto

info.coimbra2018@uc.pt

The fifth International Conference of the IUFRO unit 2.09.02 “Somatic Embryogenesis and Other Vegetative Propagation Technologies” (https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-2/20000/20900/20902) will be held at the University of Coimbra (Coimbra, Portugal) during September 10-15, 2018.

The conference will be hosted by the Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences (DCV), University of Coimbra (www.uc.pt)

Jorge Canhoto and Sandra Correia (University of Coimbra) are arranging the Conference together with the Executive & Local Arrangement Committee.

The Conference Organizing Committee has selected the following theme for our meeting:

“Clonal trees in the bioeconomy age: opportunities and challenges”

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Our main objective is to foster the development and practical outcomes of vegetative propagation (bio)technologies for conservation, breeding/selection and efficient, cost-effective deployment of resilient, productive tree varieties.

During our last Conference in La Plata, https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-2/20000/20900/20902/publications/), the importance of plantation forestry was highlighted as forests are becoming increasingly fragmented and vulnerable in the context of both anthropic- and climate related pressure. Flexible and popular, low-cost vegetative propagation methods are considered critical and well-suited (especially somatic embryogenesis) for both sustainable plantation forestry and conservation of genetic resources. Application-oriented research efforts in close collaboration with breeders may allow the careful selection and cost-effective, rapid deployment (and turn-over) of elite varieties expressing natural or induced adaptation response to environmental stress.

The main topics of the conference therefore include physiological, biochemical, molecular and (epi)genetic aspects of somatic embryogenesis and other cloning technologies, feedback from field trials and their application in tree breeding as well as industrial production of varieties. Anyway, any contribution on complementary issues are welcome (e.g. conservation, genetic transformation) including social and regulatory aspects related with clonal trees.

Since inception at the initiative of Yill Sung Park (2008), our Working Party had already 4 successful conferences: Suwon2010 (Korea), Brno2012 (Czech Republic), Vitoria2014 (Spain) and La Plata2016 (Argentina). We are expecting strong participation for Coimbra2018 as well, and we have the pleasure to invite all colleagues interested by the vegetative propagation of trees to contribute to the scientific program and discussions.

Join us for a productive and friendly meeting!

Please forward this announcement to everyone in your organization/team interested by vegetative propagation of trees and more generally woody plants!

All the scientific, social and practical information you need to attend the conference will be regularly updated at our Conference Webpages:

www.uc.pt/en/uid/biotec/events/iufro2018

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v  A Conference Brochure summarizing the key information is available and attached to this announcement. Feel free to widely circulate this brochure in your Institution, to interested Colleagues and your favorite networks!

v  Important dates to remember are May 31 (abstract submission) and June 30 (registration at reduced fee). As for previous IUFRO 2.09.02 international conferences we tried to keep the regular fees quite low (400 €), especially for students (250 €).

v  We strongly encourage young scientists to attend the Conference and make oral or poster presentations. Following Vitoria2014 and LaPlata2016 we are keen to announce our third student’s awarding scientific competition. The related information is available at our Conference Website.

v  Two IUFRO travel grants (Scientist Assistance Program) are also available for researchers from economically disadvantaged countries to attend the Conference. See the criteria for sponsorship and how to apply at our Conference Website.

v  The Executive Committee is also preparing a technical tour and several cultural and social events (gala dinner, visit to main monuments and a senerade of Fado)! Join us and discover the latest advances in vegetative propagation of trees and also the Secrets of Coimbra, the Old Capital of the Portuguese Kingdom which is full of heritage from the past!

We are looking forward to seeing you again at Coimbra!

The Organizing Committee of Coimbra2018:

Jorge Canhoto (jorgecan@uc.pt)

Sandra Correia (sandraimc@ci.uc.pt)

Jean-François Trontin (jean-francois.trontin@fcba.fr)

Paloma Moncaleán (pmoncalean@neiker.eus)

Jana Krajňáková (jana.krajnakova@scionresearch.com)

Sandra Sharry (ssharry@gmail.com)

Yong Wook Kim (bravekim@korea.kr)