Our scientific research will require an effort much greater than what we are doing now. The good news is that we will have lots of help. We have attracted the attention of large foundations and land grant universities. Their assets will greatly assist our progress. But these partnerships also provide challenges.
Coordination becomes paramount.
Staff resources, already stretched will be further challenged. The coordination of our new partnerships requires 100's of hours. Large players, like Penn State University, can help with the Arboretum and research capacities. The question of whether backcross, hypovirulence, large survivor crossbreeding or genetic transformation is more important is moot. All are reaching for the same goal.