The G2 software system is being developed as part of a collaborative project involving researchers from LRBB and CIRAD in France; Forest Research and the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. The project is about modelling the growth of pine trees in these two countries, for forestry applications. The modelling approach will investigate the combination of research from the disciplines of traditional tree growth modelling, tree architecture, biomechanics and wood quality.

Collaboration on tree growth research between these groups has occurred over several years, beginning in 1996. Exchange visits have occurred between researchers in Nancy, Montpellier, and Bordeaux in France; and Rotorua in New Zealand. These visits have been assisted by funding contributions from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In 1998 a pilot project was established to investigate the use of tree architectural and biomechanical models for predicting tree growth and wood properties. That project is based on detailed measurement of two Radiata pine trees in New Zealand.

Development of a model of secondary growth for pine trees is being undertaken as a M.Sc. project at the School of Forestry, University of Canterbury, New Zealand.