Frequently Asked Questions

What does the NCSU - CTIP do?

Do you work with transgenic trees?

Why do you try to improve trees?

How do you improve trees?

What species do you work with?

Can anyone become a member of the Cooperative program?

What is involved with being a member of the Cooperative?

Why should my organization join the NCSU - CTIP?

My organization already purchases good seedlings, why and how would being involved with the Cooperative benefit my organization?

What does the NCSU - CTIP do?

Please visit the About TIP section of our website

Do you work with transgenic trees?

No. We focus on the improvement of trees for production value via traditional breeding efforts. Although reliant on conventional breeding methods, we do utilize newer technologies where appropriate to enhance and improve our methods of capturing genetic gains.

Why do you try to improve trees?

Trees, specifically loblolly pine in the southern US, have huge economic importance. With less and less land to grow on, our supporters recognize the value in increasing gains and efficiency for a higher quality end product.

How do you improve trees?

We use a variety of methods to capture and utilize the natural genetic potential. Please see our Research section for more information.

What species do you work with?

While in the past, the NCSU - CTIP worked with several species, today we mainly focus on loblolly pine (Pinus taeda)

Can anyone become a member of the Cooperative program?

We are always looking for supporters of our program goals and research endeavors. Our membership is diverse, ranging from state agencies, integrated products companies, nurseries, TIMOs, and REITs. If one of these categories describes your organization, or you feel your organization could contribute to the Cooperative, please look at our Prospective Members section, or contact us.

If you are a private landowner that benefits from the Cooperative's research via one of our members and would like to donate to the Cooperative's efforts, please contact us.

What is involved with being a member of the Cooperative?

Please contact Dr. Steve McKeand to discuss specific details of membership.

Why should my organization join the NCSU - CTIP?

Membership gives access to knowledge that leads to regenerating your organization's lands with the best seedlings available. Coupled with good silvicultural practices, investment in the best genetic materials can potentially yield large economic returns.

My organization already purchases good seedlings, why and how would being involved with the Cooperative benefit my organization?

Knowledge is power, and through membership in the Cooperative, your organization will have access to the data that will allow you to make informed decisions about what seedlings you purchase. Yes there are many good seedlings on the market, but membership will allow you to specifically choose what you decide is best for your lands.

Your membership will also support our continuing research efforts. It is through these research efforts that progress and new gain is realized with each generation of trees.