The key technology Forest Genetics Ltd employs is somatic embryogenesis, which enables 1) the storage of germplasm during the field testing phase and 2) the ultimate production of many genetically identical cuttings from a single seed of an elite family from control-pollinated parent trees.

The fundamental first step of the technology is to split one embryo into many identical embryos, enabling some copies of the embryo to be stored in cryo-preservation, while others are taken through field testing. Subsequently, the best varieties are identified, and the cryo-stored embryos are extracted and multiplied through various forms of propagation. All resulting plants have the same genetic make-up, and no genetic engineering or modification has occurred.

The varieties are being developed through multiplication of cryopreserved, juvenile material, and subsequently using nursery stoolbeds to further multiply and produce rooted cuttings for sale to forest growers. We have formed alliances with top quality nurseries for assured production of Production Varieties to meet the needs of regionally distributed forest growers.

We also have an alliance with Scion as a contract research provider, carrying our R&D in micropropagation, as well as nursery services. Scion has carried out the front-end tissue culture work required for production of plants through 2010, as well as providing nursery propagation services. In addition, we have won a Technology for Business Growth grant for R&D by Scion and other providers. This grant is primarily aimed at reducing technical risks, and thereby obtaining greater cost efficiency of our plant propagation systems.

Stoolbed mother plants have been established to date in several New Zealand locations, and cuttings from these plants are being raised at six New Zealand nurseries. Variety sales have exceeded 1 million plants in 2010, and are projected to increase to several million/year thereafter. In Australia, mother plants have been established at a large container nursery, and multiplication for commercial sales has commenced.