Opening-up to broaden-out: A case study of representational practices as inputs for social assessments of genomic selection technologies for forestry
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2021-01-21
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Abstract
Genomic selection (GS) is a diagnostic approach in plant and animal breeding that links complex biological information and sophisticated mathematical models. In addition to enhancing growth and volume, scientists argue that the application of GS to tree breeding can enhance the ability to select drought resilient and disease/pest resistant trees at early stages in otherwise long breeding cycles. Due to its complexity, GS can easily be 'black boxed', meaning that the processes and assumptions that shape its development and application can be hidden from view. These complexities are the focus of this study. Using qualitative methodologies informed by Science and Technology Studies (STS) approaches in Geography which seek to observe and understand scientific processes (‘science in action’), I examine the processes and assumptions that inform GS development and application for forestry. Key findings suggest GS for forestry is at once object, social process, narrative, and site of politics that warrants continued scrutiny and debate.
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Myles. K. (2021). Opening-up to broaden-out: A case study of representational practices as inputs for social assessments of genomic selection technologies for forestry (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.