Genetic improvement of willow for short-rotation coppice

A commercial breeding programme of willows was started by Svalöf Weibull AB in 1987. Since willow is a novel crop when it comes to breeding for biomass production, rapid progress has been made in terms of improved yield, erect growth, resistance to leaf rust and insects and tolerance to frost. Seven varieties have been released up to now. Material collected in Europe, central Russia and Siberia constitutes the main gene pool in the breeding population. Data are presented on relative yields, rust and gall midge susceptibility, and pest resistance.